Abstract
Chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized through polymerization of CS at different concentrations with methacrylic acid (MAA) using K2S2O8 as initiator. This polymerization gave rise to suspension which was ice-cooled then subjected to severe centrifuging and the supernatant discarded to yield CS nanoparticles. Major characteristics of the so prepared CS nanoparticles namely size/distribution of the particles, their structural features, surface description and thermal stability were examined using DLS, FTIR, SEM and TGA, respectively. When CS nanoparticles were used as a finish for cotton fabrics with a crosslinking agent, the fabric displayed improved dyeability and thermal stability as well as antibacterial activity and UV protection. These latter two functionalities were significantly increased by post treatment of fabric with copper sulfate. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.