A multifunctional cotton fabric using TiO2 and PCMs: introducing thermal comfort and self-cleaning properties

F A P Scacchetti,G Soares,E Pinto

doi:10.1088/1757-899x/254/12/122011

Abstract

The development of materials with multiple functionalities is a market imperative that places new challenges on textile processing. The purpose of this study was to establish the conditions to obtain a cotton material that is comfortable, with self-cleaning and antimicrobial properties. For this purpose, microcapsules of phase change materials (mPCM) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NP) were applied. The resulting fabrics were characterized with resource to infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), contact angle and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The self-cleaning properties of treated fabrics were also analysed based on the photocatalytic ability of coated fabrics. Therefore, the decomposition of methyl orange (MO) and the degradation of red wine and curry spots under the irradiation of a solar simulator were analysed. Thus, the incorporation of TiO2 particles into the cotton fabric promoted self-cleaning and antibacterial characteristics, but the presence of PCM combined with TiO2 increases the bioactivity of materials.

Highlights

The development of textiles with new finishes is an effective way to modify their behavior by improving specific features through the surface functionalization and the combination of new materials and technologies
EDS results confirmed the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles and Silane on the surface of functionalized cotton
Cotton spectrum show a broad band in the range 3600-3100cm-1, corresponding to the –OH stretching vibration of cellulose, and the asymmetric stretching of C–H is observed in the ranges 2900cm-1 and 1450–1350cm-1

Summary

Introduction

The development of textiles with new finishes is an effective way to modify their behavior by improving specific features through the surface functionalization and the combination of new materials and technologies. SEM and EDS analysis (NanoSEM, NOVA 200, FEI Co. Oregon, USA) was used to characterize the surface of cotton fabrics before and after treatments with TiO2 and mPCM, as well as before and after washing. EDS results confirmed the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles and Silane (for applications of TiO2 and mPCM) on the surface of functionalized cotton.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion