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Cotton fabric surface modification for improved UV radiation protection using sol–gel process
Author(s) -
Abidi Noureddine,
Hequet Eric,
Tarimala Sowmitri,
Dai Lenore L.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.24572
Subject(s) - tetraethyl orthosilicate , materials science , composite material , scanning electron microscope , coating , fiber , adhesion , surface modification , sol gel , ultraviolet , refractive index , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , engineering
In this study, lightweight 100% cotton fabric was successfully modified by the sol–gel process to impart high ultraviolet radiation (UVR) scattering property to the fabric surface. Active ingredients were tetraethyl orthotitanate [Ti(OCH 2 CH 3 ) 4 ] and tetraethyl orthosilicate [Si(OCH 2 CH 3 ) 4 ]. The cotton fabric was padded with the nanosol solution, dried at 60°C, and cured at 150°C. Scanning electron microscopy showed continuous and uniform film on the fiber surface. Excellent UVR scattering was obtained with all treated fabrics. Increasing titania content in the nanosol solution leads to increased UVR protection. This is attributed to the increase of the refractive index of the film formed on the fabric surface. Excellent durability of the treatment was obtained, which indicates a good adhesion between the coating and the fabric surface. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 111–117, 2007.