In this present investigation, the colloidal silica and nano ZrO2 embedded silica solution were prepared using sol-gel method followed by the sonication process. The particle size was measured for the prepared silica sol with and without ZrO2 nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles were coated on the cotton fabric through pad dry method. The phase and functional group analysis of the cotton fabrics after coating reveals the presence of metal oxides on the surface. The surface morphology of the coated fabrics analysed using SEM shows that the nanoparticles were in spherical morphology with slight agglomerations. The element analysis confirms the presence of silica (SiO2) and ZrO2/SiO2 nanoparticles along with cellulose on the surface. The washing durability of the coated fabrics after 5th and 10th wash indicates that the nanoparticles were strongly adhered on the fabric surface. The burning performance of coated fabrics is in the order of ZrO2/SiO2 (19.5 s) > SiO2 (11.3 s) before and after wash; UV resistance of fabric was in the order of ZrO2/SiO2 > SiO2 > uncoated fabric. Cotton fabrics coated with ZrO2/SiO2 particles show better UV and flammability protection for textile applications.

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We report a new method to reduce macroparticles in ZnO thin films using filter free cathodic vacuum arc deposition without using any cooling arrangements operated at low arc current. The detailed mechanism has been proposed to reduce macroparticles during thin film deposition. The successful reduction of macroparticles was confirmed employing FESEM-EDX studies. FESEM images of ZnO thin films deposited with cathode spot to substrate distance from 10 to 20 cm revealed that the population of the macroparticles were reduced with the increase of cathode spot to substrate distances at low arc current. The prepared ZnO films were characterised and showed good structural and optical properties.