Study Tests Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Cold Plasma for UV-Protective Workwear Textiles
Researchers applied zinc oxide nanoparticles made by chemical and green methods to textiles, then used citric acid or cold plasma to improve adhesion. Ultraviolet protection factor and air permeability were measured before and after washing.
ncbi.nlm.nih.govZinc oxide nanoparticles were produced through chemical synthesis and green synthesis, then applied to fabric samples using a pad-dry-cure-pad process. Two adhesion approaches were tested: treatment with citric acid and exposure to cold plasma.
Ultraviolet protection factor values for untreated fabric measured 38.92. After citric acid treatment the values reached 322 for chemical nanoparticles and 566 for green nanoparticles. Cold plasma treatment produced higher readings of 341 and 658 respectively.
After five wash cycles, protection levels declined for all treated samples. Air permeability rose from 253 cubic feet per square foot per minute in untreated fabric to approximately 300 after nanoparticle application. Plasma-treated samples showed readings of 511.13 and 255.56.
The study concluded that green-synthesized nanoparticles combined with cold plasma yielded greater ultraviolet protection than chemical nanoparticles paired with citric acid. 1401.294.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 09 May 2025
Manuscript received by journal.
1 sourcenature.com - 06 March 2026
Manuscript accepted for publication.
1 sourcenature.com - 28 May 2026
Study published online in Scientific Reports.
1 sourcenature.com
Potential Impact
- 01
Further wash-durability testing may be required before commercial use.
- 02
Workwear manufacturers could adopt plasma and green nanoparticle methods if scaled.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
NprWHO Director Visits Congo as Ebola Outbreak Spreads
The head of the World Health Organization arrived in Kinshasa to support efforts against a rare Ebola strain. Health workers face equipment shortages, community distrust, and armed conflict in affected provinces.
medpagetoday.comFDA Panel Recommends XFG Variant for Fall Covid Shots
Replimune will submit an application to the FDA for the third time. Pfizer and Innovent Biologics reached a collaboration agreement valued at up to $10.5 billion.
Benzinga Publishes Article on Biotech Stocks During Pandemic Recovery
Benzinga published an article titled 'Best Biotech Stocks Right Now' that addresses the sector's position during global recovery from the pandemic. The piece notes government institutions and professional traders are focusing on biotech companies for vaccine and booster developme…