Study on the Modification and Properties of Silk Sericin Protein/Nano-Titanium Dioxide Composite for Textile Applications

Abstract

Abstract Silk sericin protein is a natural high-molecular-weight compound that contains eighteen types of amino acids. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible, with simple preparation methods and low cost. It finds widespread application in functional clothing, medical and pharmaceutical fields, tissue engineering, and more. Nano-titanium dioxide, on the other hand, possesses non-toxic, self-cleaning, antibacterial, and deodorizing properties. To develop multifunctional textiles with deodorization, UV protection, and good thermal and mechanical properties, this study utilized a compounding method to modify citric acid-pre-treated cotton fabrics through a two-dipping and two-padding process using a blend finishing solution of silk sericin protein and nano-titanium dioxide. Observations of the microstructure before and after fabric finishing, along with evaluations of deodorization, UV protection, and thermal properties, revealed that controlling the proportion of the silk sericin protein/nano-titanium dioxide blend finishing solution can result in a smooth surface of the modified cotton fabric. This modification not only enhances the fabric’s UV protection and tensile strength but also improves its thermal properties while imparting certain deodorization capabilities. Comprehensive analysis concludes that using silk sericin protein and nano-titanium dioxide for modifying cotton fabric to prepare multifunctional textiles with deodorization, UV protection, and good thermal and mechanical performance is feasibly viable.