In situ generation and deposition of ZnO nanoparticles on cotton surface to impart hydrophobicity: investigation of antibacterial activity

The study of ZnO nanoparticles was prepared and deposited onto cotton fabrics surface via a simple and rapid hydrothermal approach successfully. Fluorosurfactant has been used to stabilize, homogenize the coated ZnONPs and control their shape. The use of fluorosurfactant has improved the durability of ZnONPs dipped on the cotton surface and decreased it’s leaching in a particular surfactant. The surface morphology, crystalline Structure and hydrophobic nature of the uncoated and coated cotton fabric were investigated by scanning electron microscope, X-Ray diffraction, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and water drop stability with contact angle measurement. SEM and XRD analysis revealed information about the shape and size of the coated ZnO nanoparticles is about 50–80 nm wurtzite ZnO nanoparticles. ZnONPs coated cotton fabric showed the highest antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli.