Nano-Mg–Al-layered double hydroxide application to cotton for enhancing mechanical, UV protection and flame retardancy at low cytotoxicity level

Abstract

The synthesis and application of layered double hydroxide (LDH) is gaining impetus for developing nano-hybrids with desired functionality. They are environmentally benign and of potential use in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, drug design, flame retardancy, separation and membrane technology, filtration, scavenging and controlled release of anions, electro-active and photoactive materials. However, there has been a limited research in wearable textile applications. In this study, magnesium–aluminium LDH nano-particles were synthesized and applied to cotton fabric to enhance mechanical, ultraviolet protection and flame retardancy properties. In addition, their cytotoxicity tests were investigated to ensure safe wearable applications. It was found that the application of this Mg–Al nano-LDH (1.5%) with reactive remazol dye (98.5%) at 2% shade improved the UV protection (UV protection factor: 20.184), enhanced flame-suppressing capacity (limiting oxygen index from 16.5 to 20.8) with significantly increased tensile strength (76.85%) of cotton.