In the present work, 100% cotton knitted fabrics were functionalized with ZnO nanoparticles, in order to enhance the hydrophobic properties of the fibers surface. The incorporation methods of ZnO NPs and different types of cotton samples (including polymer coated, and uncoated with and without a nonionic pretreatment) were evaluated, in order to understand the influence in the hydrophobicity values. Cotton fabrics with and without NPs were characterized by ground-state diffuse reflectance, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and water contact angle (WCA). The best results were obtained when the polymer-coated fabric was functionalized using a precursor concentration of 0.2 M, exhibiting superhydrophobic behavior with static WACs of more than 150°. Although pretreated and untreated ZnO-functionalized cotton fabrics had a slightly lower wettability, they showed interesting results, with improvements in WCA from 116° to 143°. In summary, this work demonstrates that the ZnO NPs have a huge potential to be used as surface finishings for the development of easy cleaning fibrous structures.
Chemical protective clothing (CPC) has become mandatory when performing various tasks to ensure user protection and prevent chemicals from contacting the skin and causing severe injuries. In addition to protection, there is a need to develop a simple mechanism that can be attached to CPC and be capable of detecting and alerting the user to the presence of harmful chemical agents. In this study, a double-sensor strategy was investigated, using six different pH indicators stamped on cotton and polyester knits to detect acidic and alkaline substances, both liquid and gaseous. Functionalized knits underwent microscopic characterization, air permeability and contact angle evaluation. All samples exhibited hydrophobic behavior (contact angle > 90°) and air permeability values above 2400 L/min/cm2/bar, with the best condition demonstrating a contact angle of 123° and an air permeability of 2412.5 L/min/cm2/bar when the sensor methyl orange and bromocresol purple (MO:BP) was stamped on polyester. The performed tests proved the functionality of the sensors and showed a visible response of all knits when contacting with different chemicals (acids and bases). Polyester functionalized with MO:BP showed the greatest potential, due to its preeminent color change. Herein, the fiber coating process was optimized, enabling the industrial application of the sensors via a stamping method, an alternative to other time- and resource-consuming techniques.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Control of food spoilage is a critical concern in the current world scenario, not only to ensure the quality and safety of food but also to avoid the generation of food waste. This paper evaluates a dual-sensor strategy using six different pH indicators stamped on cardboard for the detection of spoilage in three different foods: beef, salmon, and strawberries. After function validation and formulation optimizations in the laboratory, the halochromic sensors methyl orange and bromocresol purple 2% (w/v) were stamped on cardboard and, in contact with the previously mentioned foods, were able to produce an easily perceptible signal for spoilage by changing color. Additionally, when it comes to mechanical characterization the inks showed high abrasion (>100 cycles) and adhesion resistance (>91%).
This work aims to analyse the effect of plasma and alkaline pre-treatment to improve the adsorption of GNPs onto 100% cotton knits. For this purpose, in one approach, 2% GNPs were dispersed in an aqueous/ethyl-based solution, in another approach the same concentration of said nanoparticles were dispersed in different % of PEG (10%, 30% and 50%, w/ v). The functionalised samples with and without plasma pre-treatment were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Contact Angle, Ground State Diffuse Reflectance (GSDR), and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Electrical and washability properties until 10th wash cycles were also evaluated. The dopped samples obtained semiconductor values, and the ones that received the plasma treatment became hydrophilic, which contributed to excellent absorption bands. However, it is necessary to carry out more in-depth studies that contribute not only to better adsorption, as well as an adequate anchoring of nanoparticles in textile substrates.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.