Fabrication of montmorillonite nanoclay-loaded electrospun nanofibrous mats for UV protection

Abstract

In this study, the layered nanoclay was employed to impart ultraviolet (UV) protection functionality for electrospinning thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibrous mats. This study is among the very rare studies which uses Montmorillonite (MMT) clay for UV protection. Due to its known UV protection property, titanium dioxide (TiO2) was used solely for comparison with MMT clay and as a blend with MMT for investigation of its synergetic effect with nanoclay. The morphology and chemical structure of virgin and nanoclay-loaded nanofibers were characterized via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Incorporation of TiO2 significantly improved UV protection performance of TPU electrospun nanofibers, as expected. UV protection factor (UPF) of electrospun mats including nanoclay was found as high as that of the ones including TiO2.Therefore, the study revealed that the clay has a considerable potential for producing nanofibrous layers with UV protection. Such a nanocomposite structure could be potentially employed as a layer in a multilayered technical textile such as tents, sun protective covers for automobiles, blind curtains, etc. This study proposed an eco-friendly and viable alternative to TiO2 which is a well-known material for its UV protection.

Improving the ultraviolet protection factor of textiles through mechanical surface modification using calendering

“…In the case of man-made fibers, UV absorbing chemicals or light scattering pigments can be incorporated into the fiber matrix during the stage of fiber production. 17,18 At the stage of textile chemical modification of fabric deposition of UV-absorbers, metal-oxide pigments as well as natural pigments and plant extracts have been proposed to increase the UPF of textile materials. 19–24 Such processes also can be applied for the modification of natural fibers, for example cotton, wool, and silk.…”