The effect of nano-Zinc oxide on the self-cleaning properties of cotton fabrics for textile application

Abstract

The self-cleaning properties of nano-zinc oxide on cotton fabrics have been investigated. The cotton fabric has been prepared by pad-dry method. The nano-zinc oxide was encapsulated in the polystyrene particle by mini-emulsion process prior used. The loading amount of zinc oxide particles into the mini-emulsion were various from 1% wt to 40%wt. The particles sizes of ZnO-encapsulated polystyrene mini-emulsion were determined using dynamic light scattering. It was showed that the particle size of the mini-emulsion was in the range of 124-205 nm. The topography and morphology of ZnO-encapsulated polystyrene which coated on cotton fabrics was observed using scanning electron microscopy. The crystal structure of ZnO-coated on cotton fabrics was explored by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of zinc oxide were present through the self-cleaning properties. The presents of the zinc oxide on cotton fabrics significantly showed the improving of the self-cleaning properties under UV radiation.