The effects of huntite–hydromagnesite inclusion in acrylate-based polymer paste coating process on some textile functional performance properties of cotton fabric

Abstract

In this study, cotton fiber fabrics were coated with polyacrylate-based polymer paste containing huntite–hydromagnesite by knife over roll process. The flame retardancy properties of the cotton fabrics were tested according to vertical flame test, limit oxygen index (LOI) test, smoldering cigarette and match flame tests. Thermal behavior of cotton fabrics was investigated by DTA–TG analysis. The antibacterial activities of coated cotton fabrics were qualitatively determined according to AATCC Method 147. Mechanical properties of cotton fabrics were evaluated with the help of tear strength, abrasion strength, thickness and stiffness measurements. Air permeability, UV protection and color properties were also investigated. Free formaldehyde content of the coatings on cotton fabrics were determined according to Japanese Law 112. The microstructural properties of cotton fabrics were characterized using SEM and FTIR (ATR) analysis. Furthermore, the mineral content and mean particle size value of huntite–hydromagnesite were also determined with X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and particle size analyzer. The flame retardancy and antibacterial properties of the cotton fabrics were improved after coating with acrylate-based polymer paste containing huntite–hydromagnesite. Mechanical properties such as tear strength of the cotton fabric decreased after coating process however huntite–hydromagnesite addition into coating paste did not lead to further increase on the tear strength loss of cotton fabric. Despite this, the resultant maximum abrasion cycles significantly increased following coating process application. Furthermore, colorimetric properties such as whiteness and lightness of cotton fabric did not significantly change after applied coating processes. SEM and FTIR analyses confirmed the constancy of microstructure of cotton fibers after coating process.