Sustainable gamma radiation–assisted synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles on acrylic fabric for durable antibacterial and UV-protective performance

This study demonstrates the successful synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on acrylic (PAN) fabrics via gamma radiation. PAN fabrics were padded with an alkaline zinc nitrate solution of 0.1 and 0.2 M, before treatment with 2% w/v of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Gamma radiation of 10 kGy induced the formation of ZnO NPs and PVA crosslinking. Scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical ZnO NPs with an average diameter of 47 ± 16 nm, while X-ray diffraction confirmed their wurtzite structure. Inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry showed that zinc content in the treated fabrics was lower for fabrics treated with PVA or with a higher zinc nitrate concentration. However, a PVA-coated fabric exhibited comparable antibacterial efficiency to that without PVA coating but with improved wash durability. The fabric treated with 0.1 M zinc nitrate and 2% w/v PVA contained 1.11 wt% zinc, with >95% bacterial reduction after 30 washing cycles and excellent ultraviolet (UV) blocking ability (UPF 50+). Although changes in tensile strength and elongation at break were observed, the mechanical properties remained comparable, indicating no severe deterioration. In summary, this is an environmentally benign and safe approach to producing antibacterial and UV-protective fabrics for outdoor and healthcare applications.