Inorganic nanoparticles and natural dyes for production of antimicrobial and antioxidant wool fiber.

Ag/CuO/ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in situ on wool yarns. The wool yarns were subsequently dyed with the roots and stems of vulgaris. The antibacterial, antioxidant, and dyeing properties of the treated wool yarns were studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimeters (DSC), and weight gain (%) analyses were employed for the characterization of the treated samples. The results indicated that the highest color strength (/) was obtained at a dye concentration of 50% over the weight of fiber (o.w.f.), temperature 100 °C, time 60 min, and pH 5. Moreover, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the treated samples with NPs, and dyed with roots and stems of vulgaris were excellent (about 100%). The treated samples with Ag NPs and dyed with the natural dyes showed very high antimicrobial activity (> 84%) after 10 repeated washing cycles. Finally, the colorfastness properties of the dyed and treated wool samples against washing and light irradiation were studied. It was concluded that the roots and stems of vulgaris could be considered as suitable natural colorants for dyeing of wool yarns with acceptable colorfastness properties, excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.