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Original Article
2025
:18;
2912025
doi:
10.25259/AJC_291_2025

Multifunctional and conductive textile from recycled polyacrylonitrile fibers and polysiloxane for potential orthotic limbs and electronic skin applications

, ,
 Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding author: Email address: sdalohtany@pnu.edu.sa (S.D. Al-Qahtani)

Received: , Accepted: ,
© 2025 Arabian Journal of Chemistry - Published by Scientific Scholar
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This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, transform, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as the author is credited and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.

Abstract

Textile recycling has been significant in terms of economic benefits, resource conservation, waste minimization, and environmental sustainability. Multifunctional textiles were developed by depositing a nanocomposite of polypyrrole (Ppyr) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto a plasma-cured recycled nonwoven polyacrylonitrile fabric. The polyacrylonitrile fibers were transformed into nonwoven fabric with a fiber diameter of 40-60 μm using the needle punching technique. The development of an insoluble nanocomposite within the fibrous bulk was achieved by reduction-oxidation (REDOX) polymerization of Ppyr concurrently with the reduction of silver nitrate into Ag0 (10-23 nm). This achieves high colorfastness without affecting the mechanical features of the polyacrylonitrile fabric. Different electroconductive fabrics were prepared by integrating Ppyr with and without AgNPs. The conductivity of the AgNPs/Ppyr-treated plasma-assisted textiles reached 0.7482 S/cm. The polyacrylonitrile fabric gained its hydrophobic qualities after being cured with room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (VSR; polysiloxane), demonstrating a remarkable contact angle of 152.9°. Incorporating Ag0 into the nonwoven fabric resulted in a brownish color (385 nm) for plasma-uncured textiles and a purplish color (595 nm) for plasma-activated textiles. Polyacrylonitrile fabrics were tested for their comfort level based on their air permeability and stiffness. The fabric protection against ultraviolet radiation was explored. The morphological characteristics of textiles were investigated by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To examine the antimicrobial activity of the developed fabrics, both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were used.

Keywords

Functional nonwoven fabric
Plasma treatment
Polypyrrole
Recycling of polyacrylonitrile plastic
Silver nanoparticles

1. Introduction

Functional textiles have shown many potential uses, such as radiation and heat protection, flexible electronic displays, antistatic and crop protection, medical applications, filtration systems, sensors, and automobiles [1-4]. Smart textiles can function as wearable sensors that can administer therapeutic chemicals directly to the skin to regulate body temperature and track muscular vibrations during exercise [5-7]. The physicomechanical characteristics of textiles made them a suitable solid-state matrix for various active agents [8]. Electroconductive textiles are characterized by a large surface area, light weight, flexibility, softness, and gas permeability [9]. Numerous fields have benefited from electroconductive textiles, including telemedicine, rehabilitation, biomonitoring, telecontrol, and teleassistance systems, wearable wireless communications, and biomonitoring [10,11]. The technological advancements in electroconductive textiles presented significant achievements, particularly in the field of the healthcare industry for various applications, such as prostheses [12]. Thus, electroconductive textiles hold great promise for the development of a “bionic human” by allowing for the replacement of damaged muscular organs. Electroconductive textile-based prosthesis can allow a person with a disability to jog inside a store [13].

Several methods have been explored to develop electroconductive textiles, including coatings of metal films, weaving metal wires into yarns, and adding conductive fillers. However, the incorporation of electroconductive polymers into textile fibers with the aim of creating smart multifunctional textiles has been the subject of very few investigations [14]. Electroconductive fabrics have recently been made using π-conjugate polymers such as polythiophene, polypyrrole (Ppyr), and polyaniline [15,16]. Ppyr has been used for the development of a variety of multipurpose tools, such as electroluminescent devices, electrochromic smart windows, organic solar cells, batteries, electronic circuits, and actuators [17-19]. Ppyr was also used as radar-absorbing paint, which absorbs microwaves on stealth aircraft. The π-conjugate polymer chains in Ppyr are responsible for its electroactive characteristics. It is often believed that the conductivity of Ppyr is due to bipolarons, which act as charge carriers. The conduction mechanism of disordered conductive polymers can include electronic spins [20]. Despite its multipurpose usage, electronics and military hardware have the potential to cause widespread electromagnetic interference (EMI), which may disrupt electronic communication tools and endanger public health. Metal nanoparticles and conductive polymers are two examples of electrically and magnetically conductive surfaces that have been described as EMI shields and microwave absorbers [21]. Nanofiller properties, such as dispersion, dielectric constant, and percentage, largely determine the shielding effectiveness against EMI. To make nanocomposites with enhanced microwave absorption, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were used as a filler in a polymer bulk. AgNPs is distinguished by remarkable antibacterial activity, UV-protective, and self-cleaning properties [22].

Plasma treatment has been used to improve the poor adherence of colloidal nanoparticles to textile fibers [23]. Producing oxygen-containing substituents, such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, and ester substituents, has been successfully accomplished by plasma-driven formation of grooves on a fiber surface. These substituents improve the adherence of colloidal nanoparticles to fibers. The use of plasma to modify the surface layer of a fiber has gained recognition as a green technique [24]. Various methods for producing Ppyr on synthetic fabrics have been detailed in the literature, such as electrochemical polymerization, block polymerization, and grafting [25]. Nevertheless, there is a lack of literature on the topic of creating multifunctional fibers by plasma-induced deposition of Ppyr/AgNPs onto textile fibers. The use of multipurpose clothing improves our daily life in many ways, including healthcare, safety, and comfort [26]. Because of their cheap price, breathability, durability, softness, and excellent mechanical properties, polyacrylonitrile textiles are among the most common garments [27]. Polyacrylonitrile fabrics are known for their fade resistance, quick drying time, lightweight, and ease of manufacture. Furthermore, they can be readily decorated with a multitude of active agents because of their porous nature and vast surface area [28]. Polyacrylonitrile fabrics have been used in various fields, such as furniture, carpets, ropes, air filters, automotives, and medical equipment [29-33].

Textile recycling has been a crucial process for waste minimization, resource conservation, economic benefits, and environmental sustainability. Herein, this research study describes the recycling of polyacrylonitrile textiles toward the development of a novel multifunctional fabric characterized by water repellency, antimicrobial activity, electrical conductivity, and UV protection. Using the pad-dry-cure technique, the water-soluble silver ions and pyrrole monomer can easily penetrate the microfibrous matrix of a recycled nonwoven polyacrylonitrile. The reduction capacity of the electrically conductive Ppyr was used to produce AgNPs from silver nitrate. The current simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly strategy is of considerable significance for the development of advanced multifunctional textiles for various applications, such as antimicrobial, sport, and protective clothing.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Materials

Silicone rubber (40/20) was obtained from the local market (Saudi Arabia). Pyrrole (reagent grade, 98%), nitric acid (HNO3; ACS reagent, 70%), ammonium acetate (ACS reagent, ≥97%), and silver nitrate (ACS reagent, ≥99%) were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (Germany).

2.2. Recycling of nonwoven fabric

Polyacrylonitrile chips were dried at 100°C and placed in a hopper tank for extrusion. The provided melt was subjected to an extrusion process by an automatic booster pump at 300 psi, using a screw extruder with a length-to-diameter ratio of 24. The spinneret orifice had a length of 1.5 mm and a diameter of 0.7 mm. The fabrication of nonwoven polyacrylonitrile fabric was carried out by a previously described procedure [34]. The produced polyacrylonitrile fibers were punched into a nonwoven fabric using a needle.

2.3. Preparation of functional textile

Using a discharge glow plasma tool [35], oxygen plasma was used to cure the nonwoven polyacrylonitrile fabric (20 cm x 20 cm) for 6 min. The plasma treatment process was accomplished at a pressure of 3 × 10-3 mbar, a flow rate of 200 cm3/min, and a power of 400 W. To produce a Ppyr-deposited textile, the plasma-cured fabric was pad-dry-cured (liquor ratio of 1:50; 35°C) for 30 min in an aqueous solution of CH3COONH4 (10 g/L) and pyrrole (5 g/L). To prepare a Ppyr/AgNPs-deposited textile, the plasma-cured fabric was pad-dry-cured (liquor ratio of 1:50; 35°C) for 30 min in an aqueous solution of AgNO3 (75 ppm), ammonium acetate (10 g/L), and pyrrole (5 g/L). The fabric was rinsed with tap water and then air-dried. To develop a superhydrophobic polyacrylonitrile textile, the plasma-cured fabrics were impregnated for 15 min in a hexane solution of silicone rubber (VSR; 4% v/v) and then air-dried [36]. The prepared polyacrylonitrile (PAN) textiles were designated as PAN1 (blank fabric), PAN2 (Ppyr-deposited plasma-untreated fabric), PAN3 (Ppyr-finished plasma-treated fabric), PAN4 (Ppyr/AgNPs-finished plasma-uncured fabric), PAN5 (Ppyr/AgNPs-finished plasma-exposed fabric), PAN6 (AgNPs/Ppyr/VSR-finished plasma-uncured fabric), and PAN7 (AgNPs/Ppyr/VSR-finished plasma-cured fabric). The research experiments were conducted at the Natural and Health Sciences Research Center.

2.4. Methods

2.4.1. Morphological analysis

Both VEGA3 TESCAN and Quanta FEG 250 (Czech Republic) were used to inspect the polyacrylonitrile morphology. A TEAM-energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) connected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the elemental compositions of fabrics. A transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis of AgNPs was conducted by a JEOL-1230 (Japan). The AgNPs sample was taken from the REDOX reaction system. An X-ray diffractometer (Bruker Advance D8; Germany) was used to examine the structure of AgNPs.

2.4.2. Coloration measurements

Using CIE Lab and color strength (K/S), the coloration properties were evaluated by a HunterLab UltraScanPro spectrophotometer (USA). In this context, b* is the color coordinate from blue (–b*) to yellow (+b*), L* is the lightness from 0 (black) to 100 (white), and a* is the color coordinate from green (–a*) to red (+a*) [37]. The fastness was tested according to standard methods, including ISO105(1988)B0 for light, ISO105(1987)X12 for crocking, ISO105(1989)E04 for perspiration, and ISO105(1989)C02 for washing [38].

2.4.3. Electrical and mechanical assessment

The fabric conductivity was measured by a HIOKI LCR Hi 3522-50 (Japan) [39]. The LCR tool consists of an external bias (DC), a basic accuracy, a power supply (AC), a frequency (DC), and a display screen. The bending length of the polyacrylonitrile fabrics was determined by a Shirley stiffness machine under a standardized procedure (British 3356:1961) [40]. Using a Textest FX-3300, the air permeability was evaluated under a standardized method (ASTM D737) [41]. The electrical conductivity, bending length, and air permeability were recorded as average values of three distinctive measurements.

2.4.4. Hydrophobicity and ultraviolet blocking

The contact angle was determined by an OCA20 (Dataphysics, GmbH, Germany) by using a 10 μL drop of triple-distilled water [42]. The nonwoven polyacrylonitrile fabric was wrapped on a glass slip using a double-sided adhesive tape. The UV-Vis transmittance spectra were employed to evaluate the ultraviolet shielding in the range of 280-400 nm using a UV-visible spectrophotometer (VARIAN Cary 300, VARIAN Instruments, Victoria 3170, Australia) under a standardized procedure (AATCC 183:2004) [43]. The contact angles and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) values were reported as average values of five distinctive measurements.

2.4.5. Antimicrobial activity

The biological activity was evaluated quantitatively against Gram-positive (S. aureus, ATCC25923) and Gram-negative (E. coli, KMY1T) bacteria using a standard technique (AATCC 100-1999) [44]. The biological activity was reported as average values of three distinctive measurements. The research experiments were conducted at the Natural and Health Sciences Research Center.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Morphological screening

The synthesis of Ag0 occurred in situ on the nonwoven fibers during the REDOX polymerization of Ppyr. The nonwoven fibers were activated by exposure to low-pressure plasma, resulting in the formation of oxygen-based functional groups that confer negative charges to the polyacrylonitrile surface [23-25,35]. To deposit a nanocomposite layer of AgNPs/Ppyr onto polyacrylonitrile fabric, the plasma-treated textiles were first processed by the pad-dry-cure technique in an aqueous solution containing pyrrole, ammonium acetate, and AgNO3. To produce a Ppyr-finished textile devoid of AgNPs, the plasma-assisted textile underwent a pad-dry-cure procedure in an aqueous pyrrole solution. The hydrophobicity was attained by immersing the AgNPs/Ppyr-coated textiles in a hexane solution of vulcanized silicone rubber (VSR). This technique yielded electroconductive, superhydrophobic, and antimicrobial fabrics. Silver ions (Ag+) were reduced to Ag0 concurrently with the oxidation of pyrrole to Ppyr, as shown in Figure 1. The color of the reaction system changed from translucent to brown, indicating the reduction of Ag+ to Ag0, which were encapsulated in the polyacrylonitrile fabric. The colorimetric shift could be ascribed to the increased absorption band at a shorter wavelength resulting from the plasmon effect. AgNPs had a significant absorbance band attributable to the plasmon effect, resulting from the interaction between the electromagnetic field and metal nanoparticles [45].

Plasma-driven oxidation of pyrrole to Ppyr concurrently with the reduction of silver nitrite to AgNPs.
Figure 1.
Plasma-driven oxidation of pyrrole to Ppyr concurrently with the reduction of silver nitrite to AgNPs.

The structural morphology of the nonwoven fabrics was examined, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. SEM analysis was used to evaluate the incorporation of AgNPs, Ppyr, and VSR into the textile fabric. Compared to the plasma-assisted nonwoven textile, the plasma-inactivated textile had a smoother surface. Polyacrylonitrile fibers were recycled from polyacrylonitrile plastic waste and converted into nonwoven textiles by the needle punching method [34]. The nonwoven fibers exhibited diameters between 40 and 60 μm, indicating a substantial surface area. A fiber etching was observed on the plasma-treated textile surface. Submicroscale rippled, microcratered, and granular particles were monitored on the plasma-treated textile surface. The exposure of the top layer to plasma curing increased roughness by producing engravings on the fiber surface, which promote the strong adherence of AgNPs inside the surface engravings. The nanofilm of either Ppyr or AgNPs/Ppyr was produced on the plasma-assisted fibers under REDOX polymerization conditions. However, the AgNPs/Ppyr layer demonstrated a more consistent distribution on the plasma-cured fiber surface in contrast to the plasma-uncured fabric. A greater concentration of AgNPs was detected on the plasma-treated textiles in comparison to the plasma-untreated materials. This could be ascribed to the improved adhesion of AgNPs/Ppyr to the plasma-treated fibers via Ag-O bonding [46]. Furthermore, the AgNPs/Ppyr hybrid displayed nano/microscale structures, which are beneficial for augmenting the electrical activity of the treated fabric. No notable alterations were observed in the textile morphology after the application of VSR. The particle size distribution was evaluated using ImageJ software, indicating sizes ranging from 75 to 350 nm. The dimensions of the produced AgNPs on polyacrylonitrile were analyzed using TEM imaging, indicating diameters ranging from 10 to 23 nm, as illustrated in Figures 4(a) and (b). The chemical structure of AgNPs was verified by the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis, as shown in Figure 4(c).

(a-c) SEM images of plasma-uncured fabric (PAN6) at different magnifications and positions.
Figure 2.
(a-c) SEM images of plasma-uncured fabric (PAN6) at different magnifications and positions.
(a-c) SEM analysis of plasma-cured textile (PAN7) at different magnifications and positions.
Figure 3.
(a-c) SEM analysis of plasma-cured textile (PAN7) at different magnifications and positions.
(a-b) TEM analysis and (c) SAED image for AgNPs generated from PAN5.
Figure 4.
(a-b) TEM analysis and (c) SAED image for AgNPs generated from PAN5.

The X-ray spectra of AgNPs exhibited four distinct peaks at 2θ = 38.18°, 44.29°, 64.43°, and 77.24°. The findings confirmed a prominent crystal face exhibiting a centered cubic shape of AgNPs. The diffraction peaks were assigned to the silver metal planes as (1,1,1), (2,0,0), (2,2,0), and (3,1,1). The crystal size of AgNPs was determined using Scherrer’s equation [47], revealing a diameter of 17 nm. The chemical composition of AgNPs/Ppyr/VSR incorporated into plasma-assisted textiles was examined using EDX spectroscopy, which determined the elemental constituents, as shown in Table 1. The elemental compositions at two separate locations were found to be almost the same, indicating a uniform distribution of AgNPs/Ppyr/VSR on the fiber surface. The EDX examination revealed peaks for nitrogen, carbon, and silver, which are the principal constituent elements of AgNPs, Ppyr, and nonwoven polyacrylonitrile textile. Silicon was identified as a small constituent in the polyacrylonitrile cloth, which is attributable to the very low concentration of VSR.

Table 1. Elemental compositions (wt%) of textiles.
Sample C N Ag Si
PAN1 area 1 76.71 23.29 – –
area 2 76.52 23.48 – –
PAN6 area 1 74.23 23.90 0.63 1.24
area 2 74.84 22.64 0.79 1.73
PAN7 area 1 69.09 23.20 3.23 4.48
area 2 70.31 22.10 3.06 4.53

3.2. Coloration measurements

The incorporation of Ag0 into the nonwoven fabric resulted in a brown tint for plasma-uncured textiles and a purple tint for plasma-activated textiles. The colorimetric results, including CIE Lab and K/S values, were recorded to analyze the hues of textiles affected by AgNPs, as shown in Table 2. The textiles subjected to plasma had a better K/S compared to plasma-inactivated fibers, indicating enhanced coloration due to the increased density of AgNPs integrated into the fibers after plasma curing. A significant decrease in L* was observed for plasma-activated and plasma-inactivated textiles, signifying a deeper shade after the integration of AgNPs into the fiber surface. However, a more significant change in L* was monitored for plasma-assisted textiles compared to plasma-inactivated polyacrylonitrile. The high +b* and high –a* values of the Ag0-coated plasma-inactivated cloth signify a brown color. In the instance of plasma-activated cloth, the high –b* value and the high +a* value indicate a shift towards a purple hue.

Table 2. Coloration measurements of fabrics. L* is the lightness from 0 (black) to 100 (white), a* is the color coordinate from green (–a*) to red (+a*), and b* is the color coordinate from blue (–b*) to yellow (+b*).
Sample K/S L* a* b*
PAN1 0.21 95.09 –0.38 1.18
PAN6 4.91 75.96 –18.44 12.00
PAN7 9.83 48.78 14.30 –25.05

The absorbance spectra were used to assess the coloring properties imparted by AgNPs to polyacrylonitrile fibers, as shown in Figure 5. The plasma-inactivated textiles (PAN4 and PAN6) exhibited a significant absorbance band at 385 nm, indicating a brown hue. Conversely, the plasma-activated polyacrylonitrile (PAN5 and PAN7) exhibited a more prominent absorbance band at 595 nm, indicating a purple hue.

Absorption spectra of the nonwoven textiles.
Figure 5.
Absorption spectra of the nonwoven textiles.

The colorfastness characteristics of the nonwoven polyacrylonitrile materials have been summarized in Table 3. A notable improvement in colorfastness was observed throughout the transition from Ppyr-coated to AgNPs/Ppyr/VSR-coated fabrics. The plasma-assisted textiles demonstrated enhanced colorfastness compared to the plasma-uncured samples. The plasma-treated Ppyr/AgNPs/VSR-deposited samples showed enhanced fastness performance against sweat, washing, light, and rubbing, attaining ratings from excellent to very good. This could be attributed to the enhanced bonding of Ag0/Ppyr with the plasma-assisted fibers [45]. The strong Ag-O bond proved particularly successful in stabilizing AgNPs/Ppyr inside the textile fibers.

Table 3. Colorfastness of polyacrylonitrile fabrics.
Sample Crocking
 Washing
 Sweat
 Light
Dry Wet Alt* St* Acid
 base
Alt St Alt St
PAN4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4
PAN5 4 4 4-5 4 4 4 4 4-5 6
PAN6 3 2-3 3 3 2-3 2-3 2-3 3 5
PAN7 4 4 4-5 4-5 4 4 4-5 4-5 6
*St is the cotton staining; Alt is the color alteration.

3.3. Hydrophobicity evaluation

The contact angle of the nonwoven textile was enhanced to 128.1° (PAN6) with the incorporation of VSR (Figure 6a). The contact angle of PAN7 was recorded at 152.9°, above that of PAN6. This could be attributed to the increased overall content of AgNPs paired with VSR on the fiber surface owing to plasma curing, leading to improved roughness with a higher concentration of Ag0 and VSR. The increase in Ag0 and VSR density led to a rise in the contact angle [36].

(a) Contacting angle and (b) electroconductivity for the nonwoven textiles.
Figure 6.
(a) Contacting angle and (b) electroconductivity for the nonwoven textiles.

3.4. Electroconductivity assessment

The electrical conductivity of polyacrylonitrile was analyzed, as shown in Figure 6(b). The electroconductivity of the blank cloth was measured at 1.2 × 10-9 S/cm. The incorporation of AgNPs into the Ppyr matrix enhanced electroconductivity. This could be ascribed to the synergistic effect generated by AgNPs [48]. The electroconductivity of textiles ranged from 0.2054 S/cm to 0.7482 S/cm. The electroconductivity of the Ppyr-coated textile was found to be lower than that of the AgNPs/Ppyr-coated textile. In contrast, plasma-pretreated samples demonstrated enhanced electrical conductivity relative to plasma-untreated fabrics. The increased electroconductivity can be ascribed to the greater adherence of Ag0 to the fiber surface, facilitating the conduction channel inside the Ppyr matrix [48].

3.5. Mechanical screening and UV protection

The preventive effectiveness of AgNPs-immobilized textiles against UV electromagnetic radiation is essential for human health safety. Figure 7(a) illustrates that the application of Ppyr or Ppyr/Ag0 on fibers improved the textile’s resistance to UV light. The UPF values were markedly enhanced upon plasma curing, presumably owing to the increased adherence of Ag0 to the plasma-induced engravings on the fiber surface. Additionally, plasma curing generates negatively charged and oxygen-rich substituents on the fiber surface, facilitating the creation of Ag-O bonds [46]. It is crucial to produce multifunctional nonwoven textile fibers while preserving the flexibility and breathability of the treated fabric [49-53]. Figure 7(b) illustrates the stiffness and air permeability of the cured cloth. The curing method had no substantial impact on air permeability or bending length. The functionalization of the textile fibers has not adversely impacted on their inherent mechanical properties.

(a) UPF, air permeability (AP, cm3 cm-2 s-1) and (b) bending length (BL; cm) for polyacrylonitrile textiles.
Figure 7.
(a) UPF, air permeability (AP, cm3 cm-2 s-1) and (b) bending length (BL; cm) for polyacrylonitrile textiles.

3.6. Antimicrobial evaluation

The antibacterial properties were assessed using the plate agar count method, as shown in Figure 8. PAN6 and PAN7 demonstrated enhanced biological activity relative to PAN2 and PAN3. Furthermore, the plasma-assisted materials demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity. AgNPs have a broad range of antibacterial activity against many pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. While the exact mechanism of AgNP toxicity to microorganisms is not fully known, several mechanisms have been identified to clarify the antibacterial effects of AgNPs [54]. It is well acknowledged that the increased surface area of AgNPs improves their antibacterial effectiveness. The bactericidal capability can be enhanced by integrating more Ag0 nanoparticles into textile fibers [55]. The plasma treatment improved the binding affinity of AgNPs to the fabric surface. Consequently, improved antibacterial properties were noted in plasma-assisted fabric with a greater concentration of Ag0 compared to their plasma-uncured equivalents. AgNPs are acknowledged as potent agents for suppressing bacterial proliferation. Ag+ interacts with phosphorus in bacterial DNA, inhibiting enzyme function and leading to cell death [56-58].

Antibacterial efficiency of the polyacrylonitrile fabrics.
Figure 8.
Antibacterial efficiency of the polyacrylonitrile fabrics.

4. Conclusions

The simple and inexpensive pad-dry-cure process was used to develop multifunctional textiles from recycled nonwoven polyacrylonitrile fibers. Using pyrrole as the reducing agent and silver nitrate (10-23 nm) as the oxidizing agent, Ppyr and AgNPs were produced and promptly deposited onto plasma-cured textiles via a REDOX reaction. Nonwoven polyacrylonitrile fibers with diameters ranging from 40 to 60 μm were produced using the needle punching technique. In comparison to plasma-uncured textiles, the plasma-cured fabrics showed improved electrical conductivity, UV protection, superhydrophobicity, and antibacterial efficiency. The plasma-untreated AgNPs-finished nonwoven polyacrylonitrile fabric had a brown color (385 nm) with poor colorfastness, whereas the plasma-treated AgNPs-finished fabric exhibited a purple hue (595 nm) with excellent colorfastness. The conductivity of plasma-assisted textiles treated with AgNPs/Ppyr reached 0.7482 S/cm. The control fabric did not display any antimicrobial activity, whereas the Ppyr/AgNPs-finished textile showed a substantial improvement in antibacterial effectiveness against S. aureus and E. coli compared to the Ppyr-finished textile. A remarkable contact angle of 152.9° was shown by the hydrophobic property for PAN7. The current strategy provides functional textiles suitable for numerous medical applications, such as wearable electronics and protective textiles.

Acknowledgment

This research was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research and Libraries at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, through the “Nafea” Program, Grant No. (NP-45-026).

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Ghadah M. Al-Senani: Conceptualization, Supervision, Validation, Data curation, Software, Methodology, Visualization, Investigation, Writing-Original draft preparation, Writing-Reviewing and Editing. Salhah D. Al-Qahtani: Methodology, Data curation, Software, Validation, Writing-Reviewing and Editing. Hesah M. AlMohisen: Conceptualization, Methodology, Visualization, Investigation, Data curation, Validation, Writing-Reviewing and Editing.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process

The authors confirm that there was no use of AI-assisted technology for assisting in the writing of the manuscript and no images were manipulated using AI.

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