Characterization of fabrics coated with doped TiO 2 -graphene

Abstract

This study presents the results of laboratory experiments to prepare cotton woven fabrics with photoactive properties. The fabric was treated with TiO 2 – Fe(1%) – N + 2% graphene by exhaustion followed by a fluorocarbon polymer treatment. The fabric was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDAX), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Contact Angle measurement, physical properties (weight, thickness, breaking strength, elongation, air/water permeability, electrical resistance). The photocatalytic activity was determined initially and after 5 washings by measuring the trichromatic coordinates of the treated fabrics stained with methylene blue and exposed to UV and visible light on a Hunterlab UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results demonstrate a uniform deposition of doped TiO 2 -graphene particles on material surface. The thermal stability of the coated cotton fabric is practically unmodified in comparison with blank cotton fabric. The decrease of the surface resistivity demonstrates the deposition of graphene layer, known for its good electrical conductivity. The wetting capacity of initial hydrophilic cotton fabric is dramatically modified, the fabric becoming hydrophobic after treatment. The photocatalytic efficiency is higher under visible light than under UV-radiation due to the TiO 2 doping and decoration with graphene, which extend the light absorption from UV to visible range. The good photocatalytic activity under visible light is maintained after 5 washing cycles.