Surface Functionalization of Polyester Fibers via One-step Green Formation and Assembling of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Photo and Magneto Activities

Abstract

In this research for the first time, surface functionalization of polyester fibers was performed via one-step, facile and clean strategy through green synthesis and deposition of iron oxide nanoparticles for photocatalytic and magnetic applications. The commercial ash of Seidlitzia Rosmarinus plant was used as a natural alkaline source for nanoparticles synthesis as well as surface modification of polyester substrate and iron sulfate as metal precursor. The presence of iron oxide nanoparticles on polyester fibers was proved by X-ray diffraction analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, mapping, field-emission scanning electron microscope images and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The fabricated samples exhibited very good photocatalytic activities toward methylene blue decoloration about 95.45% after 48 h exposing to sunlight irradiation. In addition, they indicated appropriate magnetic properties with saturated magnetization of 2.30 and 1.69 emu/g at room temperature. The coloring effect, weight change and wettability behavior of the fabricated samples were also investigated. The mentioned route in this paper can simply be scaled up as an eco-friendly and scalable route for surface functionalization of polymeric substrates via synthesis and deposition of iron oxide nanoparticles to acquire durable photo and magneto activities on polymers for different applications.