Self-Cleaning Textiles Based on Nano TiO2 Coatings

The aim of this research was to obtain self-cleaning properties of PES surfaces by nano-modification with TiO2 coatings. Sal-gel process was used for TiO2 nanoparticles preparation and the influence of the process conditions on nano coatings formation was studied. In the process of TiO2 nanoparticles polycondensation, acid and alkaline catalyst were used. With thermal treatment of nanoparticles on the polyester substrate anatase polymorphic form of TiO2 was formed which had a wider band gap than the crystal structure rutile. To determine the efficiency of the fibre nano-modification and influence of the treatment on the fibre properties, the photocatalytic activity was observed by Foron Brill. Violett EBLN degradation and the mechanical properties were determined. The results demonstrated that the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 coatings obtained from acid sol were higher than those obtained from alkaline sol, however, the influence on the mechanical properties of PES knitted fabrics was insignificant irrespective of the treatment conditions used in the process.