Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Textile Finishing: Synthesis, Characterization and Application

Abstract

The application of nanoparticles (NPs) to textile finishing processes has opened up various opportunities for improving performance and functionality of textiles. The primary aim of the study has been to create and produce finishes using TiO2, ZnO, and Ag and their core@shell nanomaterials that provide favorable characteristics to textiles, including but not limited to antimicrobial, UV protection, and self-cleaning properties. The research encompasses sol-gel, hydrothermal, and wet chemical methodologies for synthesizing nanomaterials for textile applications. A range of characterization methodologies, such as the particle size and the microstructure, was obtained by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The morphology and thermal properties of the nanomaterial-coated cotton fabric were obtained with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The study also focuses on unravelling the mechanisms that underlie the interaction between nanoparticles and textile substrates, clarifying the variables affecting the performance of nanomaterial-based finishes on antimicrobial efficacy, UV protection, and self-cleaning properties. The investigation of the photocatalytic efficacy of TiO2 NPs coated fabric was conducted through the degradation of methylene blue utilizing UV radiation. The results indicate that the fabric coated with TiO2 NPs has the potential to be utilized in the development of self cleaning clothing, as evidenced by the degradation of 75% of the dye within a five hours timeframe. The self-cleaning properties were examined using coffee and curry strains as model dirt. After 20 h of xenon UV light exposure, it was observed that TiO2 NPs coated cotton textiles were able to effectively remove 58% of coffee stains and 76% of curry stains. The photocatalytic activity of the ZnO NPs coated fabric was examined by degrading methylene blue using UV radiation. 83% of the dye was degraded in 3h, suggesting that ZnO NPs coated fabric can be used in self-cleaning clothing. ZnO NP coated cotton textiles are observed to clean 67% coffee strain and 82% curry strain after 20h of xenon UV light exposure. The antibacterial effectiveness of Ag NPs was evaluated and the results indicated a reduction of over 98% for Staphylococcus aureus and around 99.9% for Escherichia coli bacteria. The coated fabric demonstrated a favorable ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 26.01. The coated fabric effectively removed curry stains following a 20-hour exposure to xenon UV light. TiO2@ZnO NPs-coated cotton textiles are observed to clean 80% coffee stain and 90% curry stain after 20h of xenon UV light exposure. Fifthly, the antibacterial effectiveness of TiO2@Ag NPs was evaluated, and the results indicated a reduction of over 99.9% for Staphylococcus aureus and around 99.9% for Escherichia coli bacteria. The coated fabric demonstrated a favorable ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 28.4. The coated fabric effectively removed curry stains following a 20-hour exposure to xenon UV light. Sixthly, the antibacterial effectiveness of ZnO@Ag NPs was evaluated, and the results indicated a reduction of over 99.9% for Staphylococcus aureus and around 99.9% for Escherichia coli bacteria. The coated fabric demonstrated a favorable ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 26.14. The coated fabric effectively removed curry stains following a 20-hexposure to xenon UV light. This work explores the potential offered by multifunctional NPs in textile finishing, combining scientific investigation with practical applications to advance the field of textile engineering. Through the exploration of synthesis, characterization, and application, this study makes a valuable contribution to advancing functional textiles. Ultimately, this research opens the door for novel and sustainable textile finishing techniques that will benefit academia and industry