Fuente: Journal of applied polymer Lugar: RESEARCH ARTICLE Waste wool was transformed into nitrogen-enriched carbon quantum dots and chemically modified with quaternary ammonium silane. The functionalized nanomaterial was deposited onto recycled banana/cotton fabrics using a pad-dry-cure technique to produce durable multifunctional coatings. The coated textiles displayed strong antibacterial performance, high water repellency, and excellent UV-shielding properties, highlighting a sustainable approach for textile waste valorization.

ABSTRACT
The growing amount of textile waste materials of natural and synthetic fibers poses serious environmental issues such as landfill overloading, microplastic contamination and toxic chemicals seepage. An original circular approach was adopted that involves transforming proteinaceous post-consumer wool waste into nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) through hydrothermal carbonization with citric acid under optimal conditions. NCQDs were functionalized with Quaternary ammonium silane and applied to recycled banana or cotton fabrics using the pad-dry-cure method, ensuring durable functionalization. The treated textiles revealed effective antibacterial activity (> 99% reduction against Staphylococcus aureus), robust hydrophobicity (water contact angle 129.7) and remarkable UV protection (UPF 134). FTIR, NMR, SEM and TEM confirmed successful silane grafting, uniform NCQD distribution and retained fiber integrity. Mechanical and Phabrometer analyses demonstrated enhanced resilience, drape and wrinkle recovery. This waste-to-value solution offers a sustainable route to textile upcycling and the development of multifunctional textiles based on the principles of the circular economy.