Enhancement of durable photocatalytic properties of cotton/polyester fabrics using TiO2/SiO2 via one step sonosynthesis

This study aimed to increase the photocatalytic efficiency and durability of functional fabrics coated with TiO2/SiO2 nanoparticles. Tetrabutyl titanate and tetraethyl orthosilicate were used as precursor and ultrasonic irradiation was utilized as a tool for synthesis of TiO2/SiO2 in low temperature and loading nanoparticles onto the polyester-cotton fabric. The multifunctionality of such nanocomposite material was evaluated by analyzing its hydrophilicity, photocatalytic, and antibacterial activities. The hydrophilicity and photocatalytic activity were analyzed based on water droplet contact angle measurements and removal of methylene blue stain under UV, respectively. On the other hand, antibacterial activities were examined against the Gram-positive S. aureus and the Gram-negative E. Coli. TiO2/SiO2-coated fabrics exhibited outstanding self-cleaning, antibacterial, and superhydrophilic properties. Moreover, particle size analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-Visible spectrophotometry confirmed that TiO2/SiO2 nanoparticles produced higher photocatalytic activities on the treated fabrics than pure TiO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, the self-cleaning properties remained after 30 launderings, indicating excellent washing durability. Therefore, this process had no significant negative effect on the wearability including tensile strength, whiteness index, ventilation property, and surface roughness of sonotreated fabrics.