Clean preparation of washable antibacterial polyester fibers by high temperature and high pressure hydrothermal self-assembly

Abstract The clean production and washing resistance of nano-coating have always been common issues in nano-functional polyester textiles because of the dense structure and chemically inert surface. Here, we developed a clean treatment strategy for preparing washable silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-coated polyester fibers through high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal self-assembly of AgNPs in polyester fibers. AgNPs with high affinity to polyester were prepared through the hydrothermal reduction of AgNO 3 by hyperbranched poly(amide-amine)s. The as-prepared spherical AgNPs possessed a uniform particle size (∼7.52 nm), a positive charge (zeta potential of +54.52 mV), and good dispersibility and chemical stability at 110–130°C. The optimal clean treatment conditions had Ag concentrations of 1–50 mg/L, impregnation time of 2 h, and impregnation temperature of 110°C. Therefore, the Ag content of polyester fibers in the range 0–2,500 mg/kg could be precisely controlled. The as-prepared polyester fibers exhibited excellent antibacterial activities and washing resistance and low Ag release (0.00024% for 24 h). Even when the Ag content was as low as ∼50 mg/kg, the corresponding bactericidal rates increased to 99.99% for Escherichia coli and 99.93% for Staphylococcus aureus . The sample containing ∼200 mg/kg of Ag could achieve up to a 99.99% bactericidal rate for E. coli and 99.9% for S. aureus even after 50 standard washes.