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.

Keywords

Journal of Textiles, Coloration and Polymer Science

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 February 2024

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History

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

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