Development of photocatalytic self-cleaning textiles using tin oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles mixture

Abstract

Textile surfaces require regular cleaning to remove dust and stains to maintain the freshness of the material. Frequent washing of fabric reduces the aesthetics and quality of fabric. Photocatalytic self-cleaning textiles using titanium dioxide coating have been developed by researchers. However, studies show that excessive exposure of titanium dioxide (TiO2) can cause health problems in humans. Hence, the present study focuses on developing photocatalytic self-cleaning textile material using tin oxide nanoparticles. In this study, tin oxide (SnO2), TiO2 and SnO2-TiO2 mix nanoparticles were sonicated in suitable dispersion mediums and were coated on the fabric surface using acrylic binder by pad-dry-cure technique. Self-cleaning activity was assessed by applying coffee stain and exposing the fabric to sunlight for 8 h. Durability of coating to washing was assessed for 20 wash cycles. Air permeability and bending rigidity of samples were tested. The results showed that TiO2 samples possessed greater self-cleaning activity than the SnO2 samples, whereas, SnO2 samples showed lower stain pick-up. The SnO2-TiO2 mix nanoparticles showed intermediate results between SnO2 and TiO2 samples. Wash fastness remained good upto 15 wash cycles for all samples. Air permeability and bending rigidity were not much affected because of coating of nanoparticles. It was concluded that the SnO2-TiO2 nanoparticles mixture coated fabrics provide less stain pickup (coffee stain) and also good self-cleaning efficiency.