Effect of nano SrTiO3 supporting nano TiO2 on self-cleaning of cotton fabric

This study reports the results of an investigation aiming at finding what affect nano titania (TiO₂) and nano strontium titanate (SrTiO₃) on self-cleaning of cotton fabrics. The photocatalytic activity of nano strontium titanate has been examined on cotton fabric under UV irradiation in various concentrations in mixing of nano titania. The amount of loaded nano titania and nano strontium titanate particles on cotton fabrics were investigated using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and crystallinity of coatings by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). The treated cotton fabrics, which were stained with two common synthesized dyes, were exposed to 400 W UV radiation for 30 hours and their self-cleaning property was investigated by a reflectance spectrophotometer. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show pervasion of nano materials on the surface of the treated cotton. Adding nano strontium titanate to nano titania showed the most promising photocatalytic activity toward dye degradation.     

Durable press finish of cotton fabric using malic acid as a crosslinker

It has been considered that malic acid,α-hydroxy succinic acid, could not form crosslinks in the cellulosic materials unless activated by other polycarboxylic acids such as butanetetracarboxylic acid or citric acid because there are only two carboxylic acids per molecule available for the formation of one anhydride intermediate. However we found that the dicarboxylic malic acid with sodium hypophosphite catalyst without the addition of other crosslinkers was able to improve wrinkle resistance of cotton up to 294° (dry WRA) and 285° (wet WRA), which is a measure of crosslinking level in cotton.¹H FT-NMR, FT-IR and GPC analysis indicated the in-situ formation of an trimericα, β-malic acid with a composition of 1:3 through the esterification between hydroxyl group and one of carboxylic groups in malic acid during curing. The crosslinking of cotton was attributed to the trimericα, β-malic acid, a tetracarboxylic acid, which can form two anhydride rings during curing. The influence of crosslinking conditions such as concentrations of malic acid and catalyst, pH of the formulation bath, and curing temperature were investigated in terms of imparted wrinkle resistance and whiteness. The addition of reactive polyurethane resin in the formulation slightly increased the mechanical strength retention of crosslinked fabric coupled with additional increase in wrinkle resistance.     

Warp and weft directional tensile properties of multistitched woven fabric E-glass/polyester nano composites

The aim of this study was to understand the warp and weft directional tensile properties of the developed two dimensional (2D) multistitched multilayer E-glass/polyester woven nano composites. It was found that the warp and weft directional specific tensile strength and modulus of unstitched structure were higher than those of the machine stitched and machine stitched/nano structures due to stitching caused filament breakages. When the nano silica material in the unstitched E-glass/polyester composite structure increased, the warp and weft directional specific tensile strength and the modulus of the unstitched/nano structures increased. The failure of warp and weft directional 2D unstitched and unstitched/nano woven E-glass/polyester composite structures had a complete delamination in their cross-sections. But, the failure of warp and weft directional 2D stitched and stitched/nano woven E-glass/polyester composite structures had a local delamination in their cross-sections and the failure was confined at a narrow area. The warp and weft directional specific damaged areas of unstitched structure were higher than those of the stitched and stitched/nano structures. Also, the warp and weft directional specific damaged areas of machine stitched structure were slightly higher than those of the machine stitched/nano structure. It could be concluded that the addition of nano silica to the stitched structures improved to their damage resistance.     

Preparation of the cotton fabric with ultraviolet resistance and antibacterial activity using nano attapulgite colloidal particles

A carefully designed surface modification technique for the preparation of multifunctional cotton fabric was successfully developed by the functionalization of cotton fabric with nano attapulgite (ATP) colloidal particles. The dispersion of the nano ATP colloidal particles, the morphology, microstructure, thermal stability, ultraviolet resistance, antibacterial activity and air permeability of the treated cotton fabric were characterized. The results showed that the particle size of the ATP particle distributed between 100 nm to 150 nm after dispersion. The SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectra) analysis demonstrated that the ATP particles were successfully introduced to surface of the cotton fabric. The structural and thermal stability of the treated fabric were higher than those of the untreated fabric. The ATP treated cotton fabric possessed excellent ultraviolet resistance and antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the treatment did not affect the wear ability of the cotton fabric. The multifunctional cotton fabric meets the market demand for natural products.     

Preparation and property of TiO2/SiO2 multilayer film on the fabric by sol-gel process

The high light reflection of multilayer TiO₂/SiO₂ film was prepared on the fabric by the sol-gel process. The size of titania and silica particles in hydrosol was analyzed by Nanosizer, and the morphology of TiO₂/SiO₂ multilayer film on the fabric was characterized by SEM. The reflection spectra of the samples were tested accordingly, and it showed that the reflection of the fabric coated by multilayer film was higher than that of the monolayer film. Moreover, the reflection increased with the increase of layer number. For sunlight fastness testing, the fabric color changed less with the increase of layer number, which showed the multilayer film on the fabric can improve the light resistance of the fabric. The mechanical property, the bending property and air permeability testing results showed that there was little change for the coated fabric compared with the original fabric.     

Simultaneous synthesis of nano ZnO and surface modification of polyester fabric

In this study, synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles was carried out along with the hydrolysis of polyester fabric using sodium hydroxide to increase the surface activity and enhance the nanoparticles adsorption. The polyester fabrics were treated with zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide at different bath conditions, ultrasound and stirrer, resulting in formation of ZnO nanospheres and ZnO nanorods. The presence of zinc oxide with different shapes on the surface of the polyester fabrics was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Also, the X-ray diffraction patterns established the composition of wurtzite structure of zinc oxide. The self-cleaning property of treated polyester fabrics was evaluated through discoloring dye stain under sunlight irradiation. The antibacterial activities of the samples against two common pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were also assessed. The results indicated that the photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of the ultrasound treated polyester fabrics were superior compared to the stirrer treated samples.     

Preparation of the silk fabric with ultraviolet protection and yellowing resistance using TiO2/La(III) composite nanoparticles

In order to develop ultraviolet protection and yellowing resistance silk fabric, the silk fabric was treated with dispersive TiO₂/La(III) composite solution. The morphology, microstructure, ultraviolet protection and whiteness of the treated silk fabric were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet transmittance. Furthermore, the mechanism of the ultraviolet protection was investigated. The results show that the TiO₂/La(III) composite particles disperse uniformly. The TiO₂/La(III) particles can not only be treated onto the surface of the silk fabric but also can be treated into the interior of the silk fabric successfully. The result of Fourier transform infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction demonstrates that there are hydrogen bonds between the silk fabric and composite particles, and crystallinity of the treated silk fabric decrease when compares to the untreated silk fabric. The ultraviolet protection factor of the TiO₂/La (III) treated silk fabric is significantly higher than that of the untreated silk fabric. The main ultraviolet shielding effect of TiO₂ treated silk fabric is absorption. The La(III) treated SF has a bad ultraviolet shielding effect, but it has a certain reflection and absorption.     

Self-cleaning and handle properties of TiO2-modified textiles

Self-cleaning surfaces based on photocatalysis are an extremely promising nano-technological field of extensive research and development. Recently comprehensive research work has been performed to evaluate the optical, photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of TiO₂ nano-particles and composites thereof. The aim of this study was to obtain self-cleaning properties for regenerate cellulose surfaces by nano-modification, using TiO₂ nano-coating and to define the impact of the modification on fabrics end-use properties. Two different modified fabrics with self-cleaning effect were prepared and analysed, i.e. the modification efficiency was determined. In addition, the influence of fibre modification on several textile properties was determined. However, a soft handle, good appearance and some other surface properties accompanied by appropriate mechanical properties represent the basis for a high quality fabric therefore the influence of the modification procedure on textiles handle was studied.     

Tunable functional properties on polyester fabric using simultaneous green reduction of graphene oxide and silver nitrate

Here, a novel method is introduced to create tunable properties on the polyester fabric through diverse chemical modifications. The polyester fabric was primarily modified with NaOH or ethylenediamine to enhance the surface activity. This will produce diverse chemical groups on the polyester fabric surface including carboxylate, hydroxyl and amine groups. The fabric was treated with grahene oxide through exhaustion method. The silver nitrate was then added and simultaneously reduced with grapheme oxide using ascorbic acid and ammonia to produce reduced graphen oxide/silver nanocomposites (rGO/Ag) on the fabric surface. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by TEM and Raman spectra. The presence and uniform distribution of the nanocomposites on the fabric surface was also confirmed by SEM images and EDX patterns. The electrical resistivity was varied on the raw and modified polyester fabric due to the diverse formation of the graphene nanosheets network on the fabric surface. More Ag particles were formed on the surface of the alkali hydrolyzed polyester whereas more graphene nanosheets deposited on the aminolyzed polyester fabric. Also the hydrolyzed polyester fabric exhibited higher antibacterial properties with the lowest silver nitrate in the processing solution. The aminolyzed fabric showed a lower electrical resistance than the hydrolyzed and raw fabrics with the same amount of GO in the procedure bath. The aminolyzed polyester fabric indicated higher affinity towards GO produced higher antibacterial properties before reduction and without silver nitrate however lower electrical resistance obtained after reduction comparing with other samples.     

Mechanical and electrical properties of photocured jute fabric with 2-hydroxy ethylacrylate

Jute fabric (hessian cloth) was grafted with 2-hydroxy ethylacrylate (HEA) and aliphatic urethane diacrylate oligomer (M-1200) under UV radiation at different intensities (16, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 pass) in order to improve the mechanical and electrical properties. The concentrations of the monomer (HEA), and oligomer (M1200), radiation dose, and soaking time were optimized with respect to mechanical property such as tensile strength (TS) of the treated and untreated hessian cloth. The 73 % HEA, 25 % oligomer (M-1200) and 2 % photoinitiator (Darocur-1116) in 1 minute soaking time showed the highest TS at 50th UV pass. The electrical properties such as dielectric constant and loss tangent of both treated and untreated sample were measured at frequency 10 kHz with the variation of temperature. It was observed that dielectric constant and loss tangent increased with increasing temperature up to the transition temperature and then decreased.     

Immobilization of TiO2 nanoparticles on PET fabric modified with silane coupling agent by low temperature hydrothermal method

PET fabric was first modified with silane coupling agent KH-560, and then was loaded with a layer of nano-scaled TiO₂ particles using tetrabutyl titanate as precursor by low temperature hydrothermal method, followed by dyeing with Disperse Blue 56. The morphology, crystalline phase, chemical modification, thermal stability and optical property of PET fiber before and after treatments were studied by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric and diffuse reflectance spectrum techniques. The properties of tensile, air permeability, luster, ultraviolet (UV) protection, photocatalytic activity, K/S value and color fastness were also measured. It was found that compared with the TiO₂-coated fabric without modification with KH-560, the loading of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the surface of the TiO₂-coated fabric modified with KH-560 was obviously improved. The pure anatase TiO₂ nanoparticle was grafted onto the fiber surface. The onset decomposition temperature increased. The absorbing capability to ultraviolet radiation was enhanced. The properties of tensile, air permeability, luster, K/S value and color fastness changed slightly. The UV protection ability and photodegradation of methyl orange under UV illumination were enhanced to some extent.     

Dyeing and fastness properties of vat dyes on meta-aramid woven fabric

meta-Aramid fibers have an excellent heat-resistant property and are widely used for protective clothings such as fire-fighter suit and racing suit. They can also be used as military uniforms such as flight suit or army uniform. Vat dyes are specially used for military uniforms owing to outstanding fastness properties, earth tone shade, and near infrared (NIR) camouflage. In this study, 100 % meta-aramid woven fabric was dyed with three vat dyes using an exhaustion method and their dyeing and fastness properties were investigated. Color yields of the vat dyes on the meta-aramid fabric were found to be dependent upon dyeing temperature, liquor ratio, amount of reducing agent, and amount of salt. Dyeing behavior of the vat dye on the meta-aramid fiber was very similar to that on cellulose fibers. It was found that the meta-aramid fabric dyed with 1% owf of C.I. Vat Green 1 satisfied the tolerance of the reflectance spectrum of forest green color in the Korean military standard. Thermal stability and mechanical property of the meta-aramid fabric did not significantly affected by the vat dyeing process. Wash and perspiration fastness was generally good but rubbing and light fastness was unsatisfied.     

N-halamine-bonded cotton fabric with antimicrobial and easy-care properties

N-halamine precursor 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinol (TMP), a hindered amine light stabilizer, was bonded onto cotton fabric by using 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) as a crosslinking agent. A variety of treating conditions including TMP concentration, curing temperature and time, and catalyst were studied. The treated fabrics were characterized using FTIR spectra and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cotton fabric treated with TMP precursor could be rendered biocidal upon exposure to dilute household bleach. The chlorinated cotton swatches showed great efficacy and inactivated 100 % of Staphylococcus aureus with 7.1 log reduction with 5 min of contact and 83.25 % of E. coli O157:H7 at 10 min of contact. In addition, the wrinkle recovery angle of the treated cotton fabrics increased from 229 ° of untreated cotton fabrics to 253 °. This study provided a practical finishing process to produce cotton fabrics with easy care and antibacterial functionalities at the same time.     

Transport properties of layered fabric systems based on electrospun nanofibers

Layered fabric systems with electrospun polyurethane fiber web layered on spunbonded nonwoven were developed to examine the feasibility of developing protective textile materials as barriers to liquid penetration using electrospinning. Barrier performance was evaluated for layered fabric systems, using pesticide mixtures that represent a range of surface tension and viscosity. Air permeability and water vapor transmission were assessed as indications of thermal comfort performance. Protection performance and air/moisture vapor transport properties were compared for layered fabric systems and existing materials for personal protective equipment (PPE). Layered fabric systems with electrospun nanofiber web showed barrier performance in the range between microporous materials and nonwovens used for protective clothing. Layered fabric structures with the web area density of 1.0 and 2.0 g/m² exhibited air permeability higher than most PPE materials currently in use; moisture vapor transport was in a range comparable to nonwovens and typical woven work clothing fabrics. Comparisons of layered fabric systems and currently available PPE materials indicate that barrier/transport properties that may not be attainable with existing PPE materials could be achieved from layered fabric systems with electrospun nanofibrous web.     

Effect of low temperature plasma treatment on wool fabric properties

Low temperature plasma (LTP) treatment was applied to wool fabric with the use of a non-polymerizing gas, namely oxygen. After the LTP treatment, the fabric properties including low-stress mechanical properties, air permeability and thermal properties, were evaluated. The low-stress mechanical properties were evaluated by means of Kawabata Evaluation System Fabric (KES-F) revealing that the tensile, shearing, bending, compression and surface properties were altered after the LTP treatment. The changes in these properties are believed to be related closely to the inter-fiber and inter-yarn frictional force induced by the LTP. The decrease in the air permeability of the LTP-treated wool fabric was found to be probably due to the plasma action effect on increasing in the fabric thickness and a change in fabric surface morphology. The change in the thermal properties of the LTP-treated wool fabric was in good agreement with the above findings and can be attributed to the amount of air trapped between the yarns and fibers. This study suggested that the LTP treatment can influence the final properties of the wool fabric.     

Synthesis of polypropylene carbonate polyol-based waterborne polyurethane modified with polysiloxane and its film properties

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) prepolymer was synthesized using polypropylene carbonate polyol as the soft segment, dimethylolpropionic acid as a hydrophilic chain extender and isophorone diisocyanate. The prepolymer was modified with aminoethyl aminopropyl dimethicon (AEAPS) to prepare a series of WPU emulsions and films. The structures and the films properties of the WPUs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic thermomechanical analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angles and water absorption. It was found that pure polypropylene carbonate WPU had a wide molecular weight distribution and its microphase separation was not apparent between its hard and soft segments. The WPU also had a high glass transition temperature (24.5 °C) and its film had a high damping property (tan δ>0.40) from 12 °C to 42 °C. Modification with polysiloxane had enlarged the molecular weight, narrowed the molecular weight distribution and resulted in the microphase separation between the hard and soft segments of WPUs, and this amplified the damping temperature of the WPU films. Along with the increasing utilization of polysiloxane the thermolysis, water resistance and water contact angles of WPU films were improved while the orientation of their structure regularity declined.     

Integrated graphical presentation of fabric sound and mechanical properties

This paper proposes a new model capable of predicting frictional sounds of woven fabrics, knitted fabrics and vapor permeable water repellent fabrics by measuring the relationships between their sound parameters and mechanical properties. We conducted an experiment in which fabric frictional sounds were recorded and analyzed. A total of 217 specimens consisting of woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, and vapor permeable water repellent fabrics were sampled, and their frictional sounds recorded using a Sound Quality System. Sound parameters of fabrics including SPL (Sound Pressure Level), Loudness (Z), Sharpness (Z), and mechanical properties by Kawabata Evaluation System (KES) were obtained. The relation between sound parameters and mechanical properties were analyzed by multiple regressions. Specimens were divided into 3 clusters using mechanical properties selected by stepwise selection method, and the mechanical properties of each cluster were investigated. Specimens were classified into clusters having high level of SPL and Loudness (Z), high level of Sharpness (Z), and middle level of Loudness (Z) and Sharpness (Z), which means that sound parameters are well verified by mechanical properties of the specimens. Mechanical properties relevant to each sound parameter were mapped on two dimensional spaces by integrated graphical presentation. SPL showed high positive correlation coefficients with MMD and LT. Loudness (Z) was well predicted by 2HG5 and Sharpness (Z) by MIU.     

Development of zero formaldehyde easy care finishing system by using nano titanium dioxide with citric acid and its impact on physical properties

The Performance of nano TiO₂ with citric acid cross-linker was assessed by using pad-dry-cure method on cotton fabric. Significant increase in crease recovery performance was observed which was previously only associated with the lengthy ultraviolet irradiation process. The optimum amount of only 0.1 % nano TiO₂ was needed with the citric acid to exhibit significant increase in easy care performance of the fabric. Typically, application of a cross-linker to cellulosics will impart a deleterious effect on the softness of the fabric; however, incorporation of nano-TiO₂ with the citric acid cross-linker significantly improved the softness of the fabric which was reflected in the mean deviation of coefficient of friction (MMD) and interyarn friction (2HG5) KES-F values. In addition, there was improvement in tensile strength retention of the fabric as well.     

Preparation of nano disperse dyes from nanoemulsions and their dyeing properties on ultramicrofiber polyester

Six nano disperse dyes were prepared using corresponding O/W nanoemulsions which were obtained with sodium laurylsulphate and caprylic triglyceride. The average particle size of the dyes prepared were in the range of 110–130 nm. Exhaust dyeing using nano dyes resulted in low exhaustion yields of 17–26 % on regular polyester fiber and 28–38 % on ultramicrofiber polyester. The observed low exhaustion yields of nano disperse dye can be explained by the solubilization of dye particles into surfactant micelles as well as the high stability of the nanoemulsions, these might reduce the capacity of dye uptake onto the fibers. However, higher K/S values of dyeings with nano dyes on ultramicrofiber sites compared to those on regular polyester sites suggested their potential to be more efficient dyes for finer denier microfiber polyesters.     

Effects of sample dimensions on pull-out properties of woven fabric structures

The aim of this study was to understand the effects of fabric sample dimensions on pull-out properties of fabric weaves. Polyester woven fabrics were used to conduct the pull-out tests. A yarn pull-out fixture was developed and data generated from this research. Yarn pull-out forces depend on sample dimensions, fabric density, fabric weave, and number of pulled ends in the fabric. Results showed that multiple and single yarn pull-out forces of long samples were higher than those of short samples, and the multiple yarn pull-out force was higher than that of the single yarn pull-out force, and dense fabric has high pull-out force. Plain fabric weave showed high single and multiple pull-out forces compared to ribs and satin fabric weaves. The regression model could be used in this study as a viable and reliable tool. This research could be valuable for development of multifunctional fabrics in technical textile applications.