| Abstract: | The titanium hydrosol was prepared and treated on the cotton fabrics to improve its antibacterial and UV‐resistant properties. The sol size and gel morphology on the fabric were characterized by Nanosizer, SEM, and AFM. The antibacterial reduction rate of the treated fabrics against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli reached above 95%, and the corresponding UV transmittance value of the treated fabrics decreased considerably, with a ultraviolet protection factor of 50 or excellent grade, and the protection was tested according to the Australian/New Zealand standards. In spite of 50 washing cycles, the antibacterial and UV‐resistant properties changed almost little because of the strong affinity between the gel particles and cellulose material. The strength tests of the treated fabrics also showed no negative effects from the treatment on the fabrics. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 1478–1482, 2006 |
