Embedment of Biosynthesised Silver Nanoparticles in PolyNIPAAm/Chitosan Hydrogel for Development of Proactive Smart Textiles

A smart viscose fabric with temperature and pH responsiveness and proactive antibacterial and UV protection was developed. PNCS (poly-(N-isopropylakrylamide)/chitosan) hydrogel was used as the carrier of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), synthesised in an environmentally friendly manner using AgNO₃ and a sumac leaf extract. PNCS hydrogel and Ag NPs were applied to the viscose fabric by either in situ synthesis of Ag NPs on the surface of viscose fibres previously modified with PNCS hydrogel, or by the direct immobilisation of Ag NPs by the dehydration/hydration of the PNCS hydrogel with the nanodispersion of Ag NPs in the sumac leaf extract and subsequent application to the viscose fibres. Compared to the pre-functionalised PNCS application method, the in situ functionalisation imparted much higher concentration of Ag NPs on the fibres, colouring the samples brown to brown-green. These samples showed more than 90% reduction in the test bacteria E. coli and S. aureus and provided excellent UV protection. In this case, the PNCS hydrogel acted as a reservoir for Ag NPs, whose release was based on a diffusion-controlled mechanism. Despite the Ag NPs decreasing the responsiveness of the PNCS hydrogel, the moisture management was still preserved in the modified samples. Accordingly, the PNCS hydrogel is a suitable carrier for biosynthesized Ag NPs to tailor the protective smart surface of viscose fibres.