Self-Cleaning Cotton Textiles Enhanced with Nanotechnology

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Benha University, Faculty of Applied Arts, Textile Printing, Dyeing and Finishing Department, Benha, Egypt

2 National Research Centre (NRC), Textile Research and Technology Institute (TRTI), Pre-treatment and Finishing of Cellulose based Textiles Department (PFCTD), El-Behouth St. (former El-Tahrir str.), Dokki, P.O. 12622, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Cotton textiles gain self-cleaning properties through nanotechnology. The concept of self-cleaning is inspired by natural phenomena observed in various surfaces, such as lotus leaves. Lotus leaves possess a hydrophobic surface due to waxy coatings, allowing them to thrive in dirty environments while maintaining purity. Nanoparticles like titanium dioxide (TiO2) are used in textile finishing to achieve self-cleaning abilities. When exposed to UV light, TiO2-coated cloth exhibits photocatalytic capabilities that break down stains and colors. The two primary methods of self-cleaning are hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity, where water rolling droplets and sheeting water clean hydrophobic surfaces, while hydrophilic materials chemically break down dirt when exposed to sunlight. The self-cleaning mechanism of lotus leaves is attributed to their superhydrophobic nature, hierarchical structures, and microscopic bumps that allow water droplets to remove contaminants.

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 December 2023
  • Revise Date: 06 February 2024
  • Accept Date: 18 February 2024

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