Cotton fabric surface modification for improved UV radiation protection using sol–gel process |
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Authors: | Noureddine Abidi Eric Hequet Sowmitri Tarimala Lenore L Dai |
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Affiliation: | 1. International Textile Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409;2. Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409 |
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Abstract: | 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(OCH2CH3)4] and tetraethyl orthosilicate Si(OCH2CH3)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. |
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Keywords: | thin film functionalization of polymer cotton fibers gel modification coatings ultraviolet radiation |
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