The effects of sol–gel coatings doped with zinc salts and zinc oxide nanopowders on multifunctional performance of linen fabric

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to provide multifunctional performance characteristics like ultraviolet protection, antibacterial activity and antiwrinkle effect on linen fabrics in one process by sol–gel coatings doped with different zinc chemicals. In addition, the effects of nano-sized zinc oxide nanopowders and micro-sized zinc salts were also discussed and compared. As control samples, both unfinished and pure silica coated (undoped) linen samples were used and as sol–gel coatings, ten sol–gel coatings were prepared with zinc salts (zinc acetate, zinc nitrate and zinc sulphate) and zinc oxide nanopowders. The coatings were applied to linen fabrics by pad-dry-cure method. Then, add on % values, ultraviolet protection factors, antibacterial properties, wrinkle recovery angles, tensile strength and elongation at break values, bending length and bending rigidity values and whiteness–yellowness values were determined according to the standard test methods. The coating film layer on the fiber surfaces and elemental content of the coatings were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR-ATR) analysis was used to determine the changes in chemical structures of the linen fabric samples after finishing processes and X-ray diffraction analysis was performed to characterize the zinc oxide nanopowders. As a result of the study, antiwrinkle effect, antibacterial activity and ultraviolet protection effect could be improved in one process and in terms of physical properties no considerable changes were observed. From the point of functional efficiency, nano-sized zinc oxide nanopowders were more favorable than micro-sized zinc salts.