Preparation and evaluation of the self-cleaning poly (lactic acid) (PLA) film blended with Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nano particles

In this study, a photocatalytic material (the nano-sized titanium dioxide) was introduced into poly (lactic acid) (PLA) to produce films with self-cleaning function. Prototypes containing 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% nano filler were prepared and then etched with proteinase K to expose the nano particles on the surface. Thermal properties of the polymer matrix Were evaluated by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The self-cleaning function was assessed by the discoloration of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous condition via a UV-vis spectrophotometer. It was found that the nano particle had a minimal effect on the thermal property of the polymer matrix. The samples containing 15 wt% nano filler could totally degrade the methylene blue after 24h UV irradiation. The research findings might provide useful suggestions on the development of self-cleaning textiles based on TiO2 nano particles.