Developing UV- protective textiles for workwear applications using various ZnO nanoparticles and cold plasma

Textiles play an important role in workwear by significantly upgrading safety, comfort, and productivity for workers. Recently, new technologies like nanotechnology have played a significant role in the textile industry by providing new functionalities. So, the aim of this study was to develop UV-protective textiles for workwear applications using various ZnO nanoparticles and cold plasma. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized using two methods: chemical and green synthesis. The nanoparticles were characterized using various microscopy methods, spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Subsequently, the textiles were treated using a pad-dry-cure-pad method. To enhance the adhesion of the NPs, two approaches were employed: citric acid and cold plasma treatment. Finally, the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) and air permeability were measured before and after washing. The XRD pattern confirmed the presence of peaks attributed to ZnO-NPs in both synthesis methods. Spherical ZnO-NPs produced via chemical and green synthesis showed band gaps of around 3.27 eV and 3.28 eV, respectively. UPF values for untreated and treated textiles using citric acid were 38.92, 322, and 566, respectively. With plasma treatment, UPF increased to 341 and 658 for chemical and green nanoparticles. After five wash cycles, UPF decreased for all textiles. Air permeability improved from 253 ft³/ft²/min to 300 and 299.96 ft³/ft²/min after treatment, and to 511.13 and 255.56 ft³/ft²/min with cold plasma. Green nanoparticles and cold plasma treatments enhance the UPF of textiles more effectively than chemical nanoparticles and citric acid. Therefore, green synthesis offers a promising, cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical methods.