Photocatalytic Self-cleaning Synergism Optimization of Cotton Fabric using Nano SrTiO3 and Nano TiO2

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) are well-known photocatalysts. Today, the photocatalytic activity of dyes on fabrics has attracted much attention. Therefore in this study the photocatalytic activity of nano strontium titanate mixed with nano titania was examined while being coated on cotton fabric under UV irradiation at different nano material concentrations and various pHs. The Central Composite Design (CCD) was used for different variables based on Design Expert software. The crystal size and phase of nano titania and strontium titanate were characterised by XRD. The cotton fabrics stained with two common synthesised dyes were treated under 400 W UV irradiation for 30 hours and their self-cleaning properties were investigated by reflectance spectrophotometer. SEM photos show the pervasion of nano materials. The results show that samples treated with SrTiO3 and TiO2 have higher values of Delta E* as compared with those treated with TiO2 or SrTiO3 alone.