Antibacterial property of PLA textiles coated by nano-TiO₂ through eco-friendly low-temperature plasma

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to: investigate coating of polylactic acid by TiO₂ using low-temperature plasma technique, which is a clean and environmentally benign process; study the characteristics of the obtained samples; and survey the antibacterial effect of nano-TiO₂. This method, as an eco-friendly technology used on the biodegradable polymer, would be benefited by industries which want to set feet on the greener path and reduce the social costs resulting from the harmful effects of pollutants.

Design/methodology/approach

TiO₂ was coated on a textile by DC magnetron sputtering. In this study titanium as a pure Ti anode is coated on the sample surface in the plasma reactor by entering argon gas (Ar). Then titanium oxide appears through entering oxygen (O₂) into the reactor.

Findings

Scanning electron microscopy analysis is applied to show the morphology of the coated surface. The quantitative value of TiO₂ was evaluated as weight percentage using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and washing stability of the samples is measured using the XRF machine. The highest degree of antibacterial effects and washing stability are all observed in 10 min.

Originality/value

In this process, contrary to common methods, pure Ti is used for coating. Finishing of textiles via this method has been useful to be used as disposable hospital clothing due to its biodegradable and antibacterial properties. So it will be helpful in reducing negative environmental impacts.

Citation

Saffari, M.-R. and Kamali Miab, R. (2016), "Antibacterial property of PLA textiles coated by nano-TiO₂ through eco-friendly low-temperature plasma", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 28 No. 6, pp. 830-840. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCST-12-2015-0139