A green method for the enhancement of antifungal properties of various textiles functionalized with silver nanoparticles

Development of textiles functionalized with nanoparticles has received growing interest. A wide range of nanoparticles can be deposited on textile fibers, which brings new properties to the final product. Although many methods for the deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on textiles are possible, the current trend focuses on how this can be carried out in a cheaper and greener manner. Therefore, the present study aims to propose a green method for the enhancement of antifungal of textiles using AgNPs. Textile properties such as surface morphology, elemental contents, density, water absorption, and antifungal capability were comprehensively characterized. This study found that the deposition of AgNPs on the textiles can be successfully carried out using the proposed method, confirmed by the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) inspections. The water absorption capability of the treated textiles was lower compared to untreated textiles. In addition, the effective antifungal capability of the treated textiles has been approved, although after 5 washing cycles.