Study of antimicrobial activity and physico-chemical properties of knitted fabric modified with silver ions

This article presents the results of a comprehensive study on the antimicrobial activity and physicochemical properties of cotton-based knitted fabric modified with silver ions. The relevance of the study stems from the growing demand for functional textile materials in medical applications with prolonged antibacterial effects. The object of the study was warp-knitted cotton fabric treated with silver nitrate solutions at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0%. The treatment involved macro-finishing followed by thermofixation. Analytical methods included FTIR spectroscopy to detect structural changes in cellulose, XRD to confirm silver phase presence, SEM with EDS to visualize particle distribution, and microbiological testing per ISO 20743 using Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae cultures. Silver nanoparticles (30–70 nm) were evenly distributed across the fiber surface without aggregation. FTIR spectra showed a decrease in O–H and C–O bands, indicating possible chemical interaction between silver and cellulose. Antibacterial activity increased with silver concentration; at 1.0%, inhibition zones exceeded 20 mm. After 5 washing cycles, up to 80% of antimicrobial efficacy was retained. Mechanical tests showed increased strength (+4.8%) and moisture absorption (+6.2%) compared to untreated samples. Scientific novelty: Demonstrates the effectiveness of silver modification while preserving consumer properties of the fabric. Practical significance: The modified textile is promising for use in wound dressings, surgical pads, and medical clothing.