Thermally stable CuO@ZIF‐8 nanomaterials for melt spinning to achieve efficient and persistent antibacterial polyester fibers

Abstract Antibacterial fabrics have garnered significant attention due to bacterial infection‐related public safety problems. However, the challenge of creating textiles with efficient and durable antibacterial properties remains significant. In this study, an eco‐friendly calcination technique was applied to synthesize a nanostructured CuO@ZIF‐8 antibacterial agent. The resulting material exhibits both efficient and durable antibacterial performance. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was used as the fiber matrix, and PET/CuO@ZIF‐8 fibers were produced using melt spinning technology. The results indicate that the antibacterial material is well dispersed within the PET matrix, which promotes crystallization during the cooling process. With a 99.9% maximum bactericidal rate against E. coli and S. aureus , the altered polyester fibers demonstrated strong antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the modified polyester fibers exhibited excellent wash resistance, maintaining antibacterial rates of 93.7% against S. aureus and 92.6% against E. coli after 50 washes. This work presents a fresh method for producing efficient and durable antibacterial polyester fibers. Highlights Eco‐friendly calcination synthesizes CuO@ZIF‐8 antibacterial agent. PET fibers incorporated with CuO@ZIF‐8 via melt spinning technology. Antibacterial material well‐dispersed in PET, promoting crystallization. The PET fibers exhibit efficient and durable antibacterial performance.