Investigation of photochromic pigment used for smart textile fabric

Abstract

The present paper reports a physico-chemical characterization of commercial photoluminescent pigments and details their application on textile fabrics (Cotton and Cotton-PES). An eco-friendly water paste, printing and spin coating techniques were used to apply pigments on textile surface. By using X-ray diffraction diffusion data, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy data, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) coupled with Energy- Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, we reveal the presence of some rare earth materials particular Eu and Dy in pigments. These pigments are identified as strontium aluminate rare earth doped materials. Optical properties were conducted using spectrofluorometer for the measurements of emission, excitation and decay times. Green and blue pigments have respectively band emissions around 522 nm and 490 nm under UV excitation. The effect of applying pigments on textile fabric with different concentrations are analyzed. Relying on recorded results, pigments concentration affects the intensity of emissions without wavelength modifications. A notable pigments distribution is obtained on fabric surface using coating technique with interesting results on emission intensity. After fixation, both photoluminescent pigments demonstrate high washing resistance with a smooth surface ‘‘soft hand”. Indeed, the water-based paste is impregnated into the fibers when photoluminescent is applied. It contributed to functional printed and coating fabrics.