Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - National Institute of Laser Enhanced Science (NILES) - Department of Laser Applications in Environmental Metrology Photochemistry and Photobiology and Agriculture

The green synthesis of nanoparticles is evolving into an important branch of nanotechnology. Chemical and physical methods are more expensive, energy consuming and potentially toxic to the environment. In the current study, we prepared Ag NPs in an eco-friendly method using photochemical and thermal techniques. The developed nanoparticles were embedding into polymeric fabrics (cotton & polyester) with the aid of biomaterials like peptone as reducing agent and guar gum as a cross linker. The nano silver-treated fabrics were characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR). Antimicrobial activity of the nano silver-treated fabrics was evaluated against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, durability, Mechanical properties, Ultraviolet protection factors (UPF) and air permeability of the treated fabrics were evaluated. Our results showed that Ag NPs were successfully synthesized in a rapid, low cost and eco-friendly methods using heat and microwave as thermal techniques while using UV-ozone and sunlight as photochemical techniques.The sunlight treated method was the most effective methods, provide, a rapid and green method.The nano silver-treated fabric showed significant antibacterial activity lasts even after 10 washing cycles with inhibition zone about 19 mm before washing and about13mm after 10 washing cycles with sunlight treatment. Performance tests on the treated fabrics as UPF measurement showed significant increment and the UPF have values up to87.4. In conclusion, the developed nano silver-treated fabrics can be subjected to different fields of applications that required both good performance and antibacterial properties

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