Outdoor usage performances of woven fabrics dyed with self-cleaning dyes

In this study, woven fabrics with cotton, polyester and cotton/polyester blend were dyed with commercial, including nano-sized TiO₂, pigment dye via pad-dry-cure method. These fabrics are designed for outdoor usage such as beach furniture, sunshade for prams, awnings, etc. To evaluate the self-cleaning action of modified fabrics, coffee, sour cherry and ink stains were introduced onto fabrics. Under sun light exposure, the stains were partially decolourised. The effects of TiO₂ on the main functions of fabrics were investigated by measurement of UV penetration and protection, colour fastness to dry and wet rubbing and also strength properties before and after sun light exposure. All treated fabric types performed excellent resistance against UV radiation and dry and wet rubbing. Pigment dyeing with rutile phase TiO₂ caused an increase in breaking strength of treated fabrics. The sun light exposure decreased the breaking strength of both treated and untreated fabrics.