AgNWs-Silane Coatings for the Functionalization of Aramid Woven Fabrics

Aramid woven fabrics are widely used to provide protection in extreme conditions, especially in high temperatures. Multifunctional aramid fabrics with no deteriorated thermal resistance and antibacterial properties are needed for high-risk professions. In this study, silver nanowires (AgNWs) and silanes (S) were used for the functionalization of meta- (mAr) and para-aramid (pAr) woven fabrics by mixture (Ag + S) or by the layer-by-layer (Ag/S) method. Antibacterial properties, thermal management, and stability were studied to select the functionalization method which provided the highest thermal performance, comfort, and bioactivity. Both methods decreased the fabric's surface temperature during heating in the range of 35-40 degrees C by 3 degrees C and 2 degrees C, respectively, for mAr and pAr, in comparison to unmodified fabrics. After Ag + S and Ag/S modifications, the thermal degradation initial temperature increased from 554 degrees C to 560 degrees C (TG/DTG) and from 525 degrees C to 533 degrees C (DSC) for pAr fabrics, and decreased from 417 degrees C to 403 degrees C (TG/DTG) and from 411 degrees C to 406 degrees C (DSC) for mAr fabrics. The reduction in Gram- (Klebsiella pneumonia) and Gram+ (Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial growth for all modified samples was above 90%. The bactericidal and bacteriostatic coefficients were slightly higher for Ag/S functionalization. The highest thermal performance and antimicrobial activity were noted for pAr fabric modified using the Ag/S method.

Automated summary

Aramid woven fabrics can be functionalized using silver nanowires and silanes to enhance thermal performance and antimicrobial activity. The Ag/S method provides the best results for para-aramid fabrics.