Surface Coatings of TiO2 Nanoparticles onto the Designed Fabrics for Enhanced Self-Cleaning Properties

Abstract

Herein, the hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties of three different fabric surfaces have been evaluated after applying titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanofinishes. The nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel techniques and were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods. The ultra-refined particles were applied over three different fabric substrates having similar weave of Z-twill (3/1). The yarns of 100% polyester, blend of viscose with mod-acrylic and high performance polyethylene containing 16 yarn count (Ne) and 31.496 and 15.748 ends/cm and picks/cm, respectively, were used for required fabric preparation. The different fabric structures were applied with self-cleaning finish of TiO 2 nanoparticles prepared in our laboratory and the results were compared with commercially available finish Rucoguard AFR. The static contact angles, UV-protection factor, air permeability and hydrophobic activity of nanofinished fabric helped in evaluating their breathability and self-cleaning properties.

Biodegradation of cotton fabric impregnated with TiO2 nanoparticles

“…Such finding is in a good correlation with literature data. 14,16,22 Growing depletion of ozone layer requires adequate UV protection which can be utilized with TiO 2 NPs due to their ability to absorb UV irradiation. The UV protection of textiles is commonly expressed as UV protection factor (UPF) or UPF rating.…”

Visible-Light Active Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials with Bactericidal Properties

“…As mentioned, TiO 2 NPs have been produced commercially in large quantities for applications in paints, pharmaceutical, food, drug and cosmetic industries [39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56]. The synthesis and handling of TiO 2 NPs during the production process can release a tremendous amount of these nanomaterials into the environment, including air, soil and water.…”

“…TiO 2 nanostructures have a wide spectrum of industrial, environmental and energy applications, including water purification, food preservation, degradation of dyes, chemical sensors, dye-sensitized solar cells, and antimicrobial agents. [39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57]. In particular, visible light-responsive TiO 2 doped with metals and non-metals exhibit bactericidal activity against a wide variety of bacterial species including Gram-negative E. coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Shigella flexneri, and Gram-positive S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, as well as Bacillus anthracis spores [58].…”

Preparation of modified paints with nano-structured additives and its potential applications

“…10,20,21 Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have been extensively studied for the application as self-cleaning, anticorrosive, and antibacterial additives in construction materials, 22 especially in external surfaces, due to the improvement offered to the aesthetic quality of buildings, leading to a reduction in maintenance cost. [23][24][25][26][27][28][29] Among the properties of these mesoporous photocatalytic nanomaterials are those to improve the surface characteristics of a limestone building such as adhesion efficiency, mechanical resistance, and hydrophobic behavior, as well as the degradation by solar radiation of other compounds such as methylene blue (MB) and carbon soot for self-cleaning purposes. 25,[30][31][32][33] TiO 2 and ZnO production has been focused in the use of green chemistry with the aim to reduce the high energy consumption, toxic chemical, and high cost, needed for the synthesis using traditional methods.…”

“…[23][24][25][26][27][28][29] Among the properties of these mesoporous photocatalytic nanomaterials are those to improve the surface characteristics of a limestone building such as adhesion efficiency, mechanical resistance, and hydrophobic behavior, as well as the degradation by solar radiation of other compounds such as methylene blue (MB) and carbon soot for self-cleaning purposes. 25,[30][31][32][33] TiO 2 and ZnO production has been focused in the use of green chemistry with the aim to reduce the high energy consumption, toxic chemical, and high cost, needed for the synthesis using traditional methods. Hence, natural sources such as plants, organic, and agricultural wastes are considered as raw material environmentally friendly, in which concentrated extracts can be obtained allowing the reduction of metal precursor without using hazard chemicals.…”