In situ tailoring of Ag-doped-TiO2/TPMP/cotton nanocomposite with UV-protective, self-sterilizing and flame-retardant performance for advanced technical textiles

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 TiO2 was applied to the surface of cotton fibers for the first time, using an aqueous AgNO3 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-TiO2 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-TiO2. The formation of TiO2/Ag2O 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.