The use of ZnO for the functionalization of textile substrates is growing rapidly, since it can provide unique multifunctional properties, such as photocatalytic self-cleaning, antimicrobial activity, UV protection, flame retardancy, thermal insulation and moisture management, hydrophobicity, and electrical conductivity. This paper aims to review the recent progress in the fabrication of ZnO-functionalized textiles, with an emphasis on understanding the specificity and mechanisms of ZnO action that impart individual properties to the textile fibers. The most common synthesis and application processes of ZnO to textile substrates are summarized. The influence of ZnO concentration, particle size and shape on ZnO functionality is presented. The importance of doping and coupling procedures to enhance ZnO performance is highlighted. The need to use binding and seeding agents to increase the durability of ZnO coatings is expressed. In addition to functional properties, the cytotoxicity of ZnO coatings is also discussed. Future directions in the use of ZnO for textile functionalization are identified as well.

This work presents the novel and entirely green in situ synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) on cotton fabric. Pomegranate peel extract was used as a reducing agent and wood ash extract was used as an alkali source for the formation of ZnO-NP from zinc acetate. Four different synthesis methods, which varied in drying between immersion of fabric in the active solutions for synthesis and the use of padding and ultrasonication, were investigated to evaluate the most suitable one to achieve excellent ultraviolet (UV) protective properties of the functionalized textile. For comparison, the cotton fabrics were also functionalized with each active solution separately or in a combination of two (i.e., Zn-acetate and plant extract). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirm the successful formation of ZnO-NP on cotton. Among the synthesis methods, the method that included continuous drying of the samples between immersion in the active solutions for synthesis (Method 4) was found to be the most suitable to deliver uniformly impregnated cotton fibers with numerous small ZnO wurtzite structured crystals and excellent UV protection, with a UV protection factor of 154.0. This research presents an example of a green circular economy where a bio-waste material can be used to produce ZnO-NP directly on cotton at low temperatures and short treatment times without the addition of chemicals and enables the production of cellulosic fabrics with excellent UV protection.

A growing demand for sustainable materials across various industries has sparked an increasing interest in bio‐based polymers as eco‐friendly alternatives to conventional fossil‐based polymers. Sourced from renewable materials, bio‐based polymers offer significant advantages, such as biocompatibility, the ability to modify their functional properties for specific applications and, increasingly sought after, the capability for biodegradation. This review article provides an overview of bio‐based polymer sources, discussing their unique functional properties, environmental impact and potential for end‐of‐life options, such as composting and anaerobic digestion. It highlights the importance of ensuring human health and environmental hazard assessment, by incorporating principles like a Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approach and assessing the product's life cycle (LCA). The dual role of the anaerobic digestion of biodegradable polymers and its potential for methane generation is reviewed, emphasising its contribution to reducing environmental impact and renewable energy production through waste management. Lastly, possibilities of applications in different industries and future market trends are reviewed. By integrating current knowledge, this review highlights the potential of bio‐based polymers in advancing sustainability across various sectors, while addressing key existing challenges and future opportunities in their development, production, and application across various sectors, while addressing key existing challenges and future opportunities in their development, production and application.

The development of textile coatings as alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a high priority due to global regulatory efforts aiming to phase out PFAS, driven by alarming environmental contamination and significant human health concerns. To address the urgent need for replacements, this research develops a health-friendly hydrophobic coating for two of the most common textile substrates, cotton and polyester. The developed coating, consisting of chitosan matrix and octenyl succinic anhydride-modified starch in synergy with ZnO, achieved water contact angles up to 132°. A successful transition to industrial application provided a translucent and homogeneous hydrophobic protection, without noticeably affecting the material's physical properties. Maintained or improved mechanical properties, supported by FTIR analysis, indicate a benign coating process that provides fiber reinforcement. Durability is demonstrated through multiple washing cycles without decrease in hydrophobicity, and high abrasion resistance (min. 20,000 cycles), winning against its commercial fluorinated counterpart. The water-repellent properties show stability over a longer period of time (min. 230 days). The biodegradability study confirmed the environmental compatibility as the biopolymer coating decomposed in 8 days. Finally, multivariate statistical analysis determined an optimal coating process to ensure effective integration of the newly developed sustainable coating into textile manufacturing processes.