Hyperbranched polymer–silver nanohybrid induce super antibacterial activity and high performance to cotton fabric

Herein we present a novel approach for synthesis, characterization and application of a benign hyperbranched polyester amide–silver nanohybrid (Ag/HBPEA). The Ag/HBPEA is developed through three distinct steps. The first step involves amidation reaction of diethanol amine and maleic anhydride to yield AB2 monomer (adduct 1). The second step comprises reaction of adduct 1 with trimethylol propane in presence of catalyst to yield HBPEA. The third step entails reduction of silver nitrate by sodium borohydride reductant to effect in situ formation of AgNPs which are stabilized by HBPEA, leading ultimately to Ag/HBPEA nanohybrid. Both Ag/HBPEA nanohybrid and HBPEA are independently applied to cotton fabrics as per the conventional pad-dry-cure technique. To this end, through investigations into the structures of Ag/HBPEA nanohybrid and HBPEA stabilizer before and after application to cotton fabric using advanced techniques emphasize the Ag/HBPEA nanohybrid as multifunctional finishing agent rather than a super antibacterial activity of the cotton fabrics after treatment with Ag/HBPEA nanohybrid speaks of this. Current research generally addresses green chemistry because treatments involved therein are based on green basics and practices.