Surface functionalization of nanostructured silver-coated polyester fabric by magnetron sputtering

Silver nanoparticles are widely used due to their superior optical, electrical, catalytic and antimicrobial properties. Recent development of nanostructure silver production incorporated with fiber makes it possible to utilize its excellent physical and chemical properties in the field of textiles. This work focuses on the surface functionalization of polyester fiber with nanostructured silver film by magnetron sputtering to widen its applications. The surface characterizations are investigated by employing a scanning electron microscope. The results show that the surface functionalization of silver-coated polyester fiber is highly versatile, and silver-coated polyester fabrics possess excellent protection from ultraviolet radiation, exhibit excellent hydrophobicity (contact angle = 132.2 degrees) and good antibacterial performance. This study demonstrates that surface treatment which uses silver nanoparticles by magnetron sputtering is a promising method for achieving multifunctional fabrics. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.