Multi-functional Polyester Hollow Fiber Nonwoven Fabric with Using Nano Clay/Nano TiO2/Polysiloxane Composites

Abstract

Surface modification and property improvement of hollow polyester fiber nonwoven fabric is very important due to the application of substrate in the various fields. Here, nano clay, nano TiO2 and polysiloxane softener as been applied on the hollow polyester fiber nonwoven fabric through conventional impregnation-dry-cure method in order to enhance the fabric properties. The alkaline hydrolysis of polyester was performed on the nonwoven surface to functionalize the fabric and increase the nanoparticles uptake. The nano clay was first dispersed by using nonionic dispersing agent, and then nano titanium dioxide dispersion was added dropwise to the prepared nano clay dispersion. Also, other dispersions were prepared with adding polysiloxane softener and polyurethane resin under sonication. The SEM images and EDX/XRD patterns indicated the presence of various applied particles on the surface of the fabric. Thermal gravimetric analysis was employed to investigate the thermal decomposition behavior of the treated samples. Self-cleaning properties of polyester nonwoven treated by TiO2/nano clay/polysiloxane composite was followed by degradation of methylene blue under daylight irradiation at ambient temperature. It was found that nano clay/TiO2/polysiloxane composite on the fabric surfaces improved self-cleaning property, thermal stability above 400 °C, and water absorption properties of the fabric.