Chemical Functionalisation of Cotton Fabric to Impart Multifunctional Properties

A cotton fabric was functionalised using the nanoparticle vapor deposition (NVD) and molecular vapor deposition (MVD) techniques to impart super hydrophobic/oleophobic properties. The NVD method was used to deposit a layer of Al2O3 nanoparticles onto the fabric surface. MVD led to the deposition of a functional layer of (tridecafl uoro-1,1,2,2,-tetrahydrooctyl) trichlorosilane (FOTS). The nanoparticles deposition increased the surface roughness, leading to higher contact angles when compared with the surfaces functionalised only with FOTS. FTIR spectra showed the presence of peaks corresponding to fluorocarbon chains and Al2O3 on functionalised samples. Surface free energies of the samples were calculated. Low hysteresis and dynamic contact angles higher than 150 degrees were obtained for water and organic liquids. Tetrabutyl orthotitanate (Ti(OC4H9)(4))was used to functionalise fabrics to impart self-cleaning and UV protection properties. Furthermore, the functionalisation with monochlorotriazyl-beta-cyclodextrin molecules introduced cavities on the fabric surface, which were used to perform the inclusion of antimicrobial agents.