Preparation and characterization of ZnO/AGE MNPs with aloe gel extract and its application on linen fabric

The main objective of this study was to synthesize Zinc oxide (ZnO) micro/nano-composites with the natural capping agent: aloe gel extract (AGE) instead of traditional chemical capping agent. Therefore, the prepared process is environmentally friendly. Firstly, the AGE was prepared with water extraction, and then samples with AGE (ZnO/AGE MNPs) and without (ZnO) were synthesized under alkaline conditions. The two samples were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. Results showed that ZnO/AGE MNPs with smaller particle size were homogeneous and spherical shape crystal and assigned to the ZnO phase (JCPDS 21-1486). Secondly, Linen fabric was treated with ZnO/AGE MNPs, and power of the ultrasonic on UV resistance of linen fabric was investigated. The more advantageous UV resistance property of linen fabric was obtained by ultrasonic treating 30 min at 40 °C under 90 W with 0.8% ZnO/AGE MNPs. The SEM illustrated that there were many micro-nanoparticles on the treated linen fabric surface comparing with the smooth surface of the untreated. After being washed for 20 times, the treated linen fabric was still UV resistance which demonstrated the way preparing ZnO MNPs with AGE.