Development of copper-zinc oxide nanocomposite based antimicrobial fabric

The use of antimicrobial fabric is one of the ways to control pandemic diseases. This research work reports development and characterization of copper-zinc oxide nanocomposite based antimicrobial fabric. In this research work copper-zinc oxide nanocomposite material is synthesized in innovative Turbo Galvano Chemical Reactor and is characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and XRD. The copper-zinc oxide nanocomposite is coated on cotton fabric by using spray coating process. The characterization of coated fabric is carried out using SEM and EDXA. The antimicrobial fabric specimens with different loading of copper-zinc nanocomposites from 1GSM to 4 GSM are tested for its efficacy to deactivate bacteria strains like Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli. The microbe's deactivation test is conducted using AATCC 100 protocol. The fabric with 4 GSM copper-zinc nanocomposite loading shown 99.9 % deactivation of colony forming units of gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. The fabric is tested for its reuse after washing cycles. It also shown less than 4% loss of nanomaterial particles after 60 standard washing cycles. The reusability of the treated fabric enhances its sustainability, reducing waste and supporting environmentally conscious textile applications. The characterization also proved the fabric is safe to use on skin. The demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy and durable integration of the nanocomposite onto fabric surfaces suggest strong potential for commercial applications in medical textiles, protective clothing, and hygiene products. This research will help to explore infinite possibilities of applications of this material in development antimicrobial surfaces.