A Novel Green Stabilization of TiO2 Nanoparticles onto Cotton

Facile embedding of TiO2 nanoparticles onto cotton fabric has been successfully attained by ultraviolet light irradiations. The adhesion of nanoparticles with fibre surface, tensile behaviour and physicochemical changes before and after ultraviolet treatment were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and inductive couple plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. Experimental variables i.e. dosage of TiO2 nanoparticles, temperature of the system and time of ultraviolet irradiations were optimised by central composite design and response surface methodology. Moreover, two different mathematical models were developed for incorporated TiO2 onto cotton and tensile strength of cotton after ultraviolet treatment and used further to testify the obtained results. Self-clean fabric through a synergistic combination of cotton with highly photo active TiO2 nanoparticles was produced. Stability against ultraviolet irradiations and self-cleaning properties of the produced fabric were evaluated.