Functionalization of textile materials by alkoxysilane-grafted titanium dioxide

Modern materials, including textiles for specific applications, have to satisfy growing requirements. Regulations concerning man and natural environment protection against harmful substances emission, UV radiation, and electromagnetic field radiation become more and more stringent. Intensive development of nanotechnology offers great possibilities to create novel—conforming to the requirements—multifunctional materials based on textile substrates. Nanoparticles of metal oxides, e.g., titania (TiO₂), belong to a group of compounds having photocatalytic properties, which are able to absorb UV radiation and provide antibacterial barrier. The aim of research works was the modification of selected textiles using nanoparticles of metal oxides. Nano-TiO₂ and modified nano-TiO₂ with aminosilane were applied. In the first stage, the works concerned the methodology development of such nanoparticles incorporation onto selected textile substrates. Commonly used techniques, such as padding and spraying were used as well as sol–gel coating. The evaluation of microstructure of textile fabrics covered with nanostructural titanium dioxide was performed using high-resolution SEM and TEM electron microscopes. Assessment of modified textiles pertained to the determination of protective properties against UV radiation and photocatalytic and antibacterial properties. Absorption spectra of textiles were determined using double beam type of UV–Vis Jasco V-550 with integrating sphere attachment. The same apparatus was used to determine ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of textiles according to the standard EN 13758-1:2002. Textiles modified with nano-TiO₂ demonstrated high absorption of UV radiation in a full wavelength and their good photocatalytic properties were also confirmed.