Coloration and multi-functionalization of polypropylene fabrics with selenium nanoparticles

In this study, we developed a new approach for depositing selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) into polypropylene (PP) fabrics via a one-step process under hydrothermal conditions by using an IR-dyeing machine to incorporate several functionalities, mainly coloration, antibacterial activity and ultraviolet (UV) protection. The formation, size distribution, and dispersion of the SeNPs were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the color strength, fastness, antibacterial properties, and UV protection of the treated fabrics were also explored. The UV-Vis spectra and TEM analysis confirmed the synthesis of spherical well-dispersed SeNPs and the XRD analysis showed the successful deposition of SeNPs into PP fabrics. The obtained results demonstrate that the SeNPs-PP fabrics is accompanied by a noticeable enhancement in measurements of color strength, fastness, and UV-protection factor (UPF), as well as excellent antibacterial activity. Viability studies showed that SeNPs-PP fabrics are non-toxic against wi-38cell line. In addition, the treated SeNPs-PP fabrics showed an increase in conductivity. The obtained multifunctional fabrics are promising for many industrial applications such as the new generation of curtains, medical fabrics, and even automotive interior parts.