Fabrication of Robust Multifaceted Textiles by Application of Functionalized TiO2 Nanoparticles

Utilization of nanoparticles has increased significantly over last decade due to their extraordinary properties they offer. They are being used extensively in all fields including textiles but the biggest constraints of nanoparticles in textiles is their non-durability. One way to address this issue is the surface functionalization of nanoparticles for increasing their adhesion with textiles. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been used for making self-cleaning fabrics. In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles were functionalized with 3-(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl-N,N,N-dimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride and 3-Glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxy-silane to improve their adhesiveness when applied to textile substrates. Functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles and the treated cotton textiles were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet transmittance spectrophotometry. Water contact angle (WCA) was measured for superhydrophibicity assessment. Treated fabric showed WCA of 150.5 degrees making it superhydrophibic. Photocatalytic dye degradation was observed by using UV-Vis NIR spectrometer. Antibacterial activity was examined against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, qualitatively and quantitatively. The prepared cotton fabric showed durable functionality up to 20 industrial laundering cycles making it potentially suitable for both outdoor and indoor applications.