Abstract
This study is focused on influence of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on surface functionality and coating properties of cotton fabric ultrasonically coated with zinc oxide nanoparticles. Zinc ions were reduced to zinc oxide with Aloe vera leaf extraction and simultaneously coated over plasma-functionalized fabric in an ultrasonic bath. The pad dry method was used for multiple coating cycles. The electron temperature in DBD zone was measured about 1.34 eV. The emission spectrum of DBD revealed the formation of OH-, N-2, O, O-3, NO, N-2(+), O-2(+) and O+ radicals in the discharge zone. The coated fabric was tested for its resistance to the growth of E. coli bacteria, which determines its applications in medical products. The electrical conductivity of fabrics after 2, 4 and 6 pad dry cycles was 2.56 x 10(-2), 2.61 x 10(-2), and 2.69 x 10(-2) Siemens/cm, respectively. The increased conductivity of fabric on coating suggests the growth of a UV protective layer of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of the fabric. The transmittance of UV-A radiations from blank and ZnO-coated fabrics was measured about 18.42% and 0.89%, respectively. Similarly, UV-B transmittance from blank and ZnO-coated fabrics was measured about 8.41% and 0.29%, respectively. The low UV transmittance and high UV protection factor reveal high practical value of ZnO-coated fabrics.