Enzymatic preactivation of PET substrate for improved interaction with photocatalytic systems and stability

Abstract

Enzymatic modification of polyester fabrics by an esterase enzyme was used for improvement and prolongation of the photo-catalytic activity of TiO₂ nanoparticles. Increased hydrophilicity of the fabric after enzymatic processing gave a higher quantity and better homogeneity of TiO₂ nanoparticle deposition. The technology of TiO₂ nanoparticle application was optimized and the final properties of finished polyester fabric were evaluated. The photo-catalytic effect was assessed by testing of air pollutant (formaldehyde and ammonia) degradation and by determination of antimicrobial properties of the finished polyester fabric.

Keywords::

• enzymes
• textile finishing
• polyester modification
• photocatalysis
• titanium dioxide

Declaration of interest: This research has been supported by COST Action 868 and Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Czech Republic: OC 156 – BIOFUNTECH (biocatalysis) and by Ministry of Industry and Trade of Czech Republic: NANOCOVER – TA 01010613 (nanosystems).

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.