Layer-by-layer self-assembly of TiO2 sol on wool to improve its anti-ultraviolet and anti-ageing properties

A new method for improving the anti-ultraviolet and anti-ageing abilities of wool fabric was reported in this paper. TiO2 sols and poly (sodium 4-styrene-sulfonate) (PSS) were coated on the wool fibers via layer-by-layer (LBL) electrostatic self-assembly deposition. The morphologies and compositions of TiO2 sol-coated wool fabrics were characterized using SEM, surface Zeta potential, apparent color depth (K/S), ultraviolet (UV) transmission and alkali solubility. The SEM pictures showed that there were quite a few deposits absorbed on the wool surface. The dyeing depth and Zeta potential presented obvious "layer-layer alternate vibration" along with the change of deposited materials, revealing the surface structure of the assembled wool fiber. The results of ultraviolet (UV) transmission and alkali solubility indicated that the modified wool fabrics obtained good anti-ultraviolet and anti-ageing properties. In addition, the sol-assembled wool fabrics had good washing fastness. The studies proved that the LBL electrostatic self-assembly deposition is a promising way to endow the textiles with surface functionality.