title: Functionalization of a cotton fabric surface with titania nanosols: applications for self-cleaning and UV-protection properties.
abstract: In this study, cotton fabric was successfully modified by titania nanosols prepared by means of the sol-gel process with tetrabutyl orthotitanate [Ti(OC(4)H(9))(4)] as the active ingredient. The cotton fabric was padded with the nanosol solution, dried at 60 degrees C, and cured at 150 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of a titania film on the fiber surface. The photocatalytic properties of titania-nanosol-treated cotton fabric were investigated. The results showed that stains of coffee and red wine were successfully decomposed by exposure of the stained fabric to UV radiation. Furthermore, titania-nanosol treatment imparted to the cotton fabric a very good protection against UV radiation. The durability of the treatment was investigated by performing repeated home laundering, and the results showed no effect of laundering on the UV-protection efficiency.
authors.affiliation: Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79403, USA. n.abidi@ttu.edu
authors.forename: Noureddine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Abidi
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cabrales
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hequet
mesh_terms: D003069:Coffee / Q000528:radiation effects; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000528:radiation effects; D032561:Cotton Fiber; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013784:Textiles; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014920:Wine / Q000528:radiation effects
chemical_list: D003069:Coffee; D004396:Coloring Agents; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium