In situ tailoring of Ag-doped-TiO$_2$/TPMP/cotton nanocomposite with UV-protective, self-sterilizing and flame-retardant performance for advanced technical textiles

Rashid, Mohammad Mamunur (author), Tomšič, Brigita (author), Simončič, Barbara (author), Jerman, Ivan (author), Štular, Danaja (author), Zorc, Matija (author), Čelan Korošin, Nataša (author)

Herein, we present a novel approach to the development of a multifunctional, UV-protective, photocatalytic, antimicrobial and flame-retardant nanocomposite fabric surface. Using a sol–gel/hydrothermal approach, a phosphorus-based flame-retardant 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyl methylphosphonate (TPMP) in combination with Ag-doped TiO$_2$ was applied to the surface of cotton fibers for the first time, using an aqueous AgNO$_3$ solution as the dopant. The modified cotton fabrics were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) to confirm the successful application of Ag-TiO$_2$ and TPMP on the cotton fabric by analyzing the surface morphology, chemical composition, chemical bonding and crystal structure. The functional properties of the modified cotton fabric were determined by measuring the UV protection factor (UPF), burning behavior and thermo-oxidative stability, as well as antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results show the formation of a unique nanocomposite matrix of TPMP–polysiloxane on the surface of cotton fibers with well-distributed Ag-TiO$_2$. The formation of TiO$_2$/Ag$_2$O particles on the surface of cellulose fibers was also confirmed. The synergism between all components of the nanocomposite resulted in excellent UV protection in the UVA and UVB region, with a UPF of 50+, self-sterilizing activity against both tested bacteria and enhanced thermo-oxidative stability. Therefore, the novel approach proposed herein is promising for the development of multifunctional, protective surfaces for advanced technical textiles.

• Language: English
• Keywords: cotton fabrics, titanium dioxide, silver doping, 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyl methylphosphonate, UV protection, antibacterial activity, flame retardancy
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: NTF - Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering; FKKT - Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2023
• Number of pages: 11 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 216, art. 110504
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-153102
• UDC: 677
• ISSN on article: 0141-3910
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2023.110504
• COBISS.SI-ID: 161627395
• Publication date in RUL: 18.12.2023

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Polymer degradation and stability
• Shortened title: Polym. degrad. stab.
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0141-3910
• COBISS.SI-ID: 2814212

Licences

• License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
• Description: The most restrictive Creative Commons license. This only allows people to download and share the work for no commercial gain and for no other purposes.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: bombažna tkanina, titanov dioksid, dopiranje s srebrom, 3-(trihidroksil)propil metilfosfonat, UV zaščita, protibakterijska aktivnost, ognjevarnost