Influence of N-doped TiO2 Nanocomposite Film on Hydrophilic Property of Rubber Dipping Former Surface

The objective of this study is to explore a method to improve hydrophilicity of the surface of formers that could be more easily dipped to produce high quality dipped rubber products. Photocatalytic TiO2 composite films were prepared by sol-gel method. Glass formers were coated with nitrogen doped TiO2 nanocomposite film by dipping method and annealed at 600 degrees C for 1 h. Phase formation of TiO2 was characterized by XRD. Morphology of the TiO2 films was observed by using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Optical absorption of the films and degradation concentration of methylene blue had been measured employing UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The hydrophilicity of the thin films was determined in terms of the contact angles of water and NR rubber latex droplets on the coated TiO2 composite films under visible light irradiation. It was found from the experimental study that the TiO2 nano-composite film can improve wet-ability of the coated former surfaces.