Surface Functionalization of Rajshahi Silk Using Green Silver Nanoparticles

In this study, a novel functionalization approach has been addressed by using sodium alginate (Na-Alg) assisted green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on traditional Rajshahi silk fabric via an exhaustive method. The synthesized nanoparticles and coated silk fabrics were characterized by different techniques, including ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis spectra), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), which demonstrated that AgNPs with an average size of 6-10 nm were consistently deposited in the fabric surface under optimized conditions (i.e., pH 4, temperature 40 degrees C, and time 40 min). The silk fabrics treated with AgNPs showed improved colorimetric values and color fastness properties. Moreover, the UV-protection ability and antibacterial activity, as well as other physical propertiesincluding tensile properties, the crease recovery angle, bending behavior, the yellowness index, and wettability (surface contact angle) of the AgNPs-coated silk were distinctly augmented. Therefore, green AgNPs-coated traditional silk with multifunctional properties has high potential in the textile industry.