Superior Self-cleaning and Antimicrobial Properties on Cotton Fabrics Using Nano Titanium Dioxide along with Green Walnut Shell Dye

Abstract

In this study, functional cotton fabrics were prepared through applying nano titanium dioxide as photocatalyst and using green walnut shell dye as both natural dye for coloration and agent capable of modifying TiO2 nanoparticles. Natural dye extract of green walnut shells was used as photo sensitizer to fabricate titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Surface modification and coloration of cotton fabrics were performed by adding modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles in exhaustion bath. Produced cotton fabrics were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Results indicated that all properties such as self-cleaning, antibacterial and antifungal of treated cotton fabric were superior with modified titanium dioxide compared to treated sample with TiO2 alone. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide has no negative effect on fabric color.