Rapid surface functionalization of cotton fabrics by modified hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO

Abstract

This study examined a simple and rapid hydrothermal approach for zinc oxide (ZnO) functional fabrics. ZnO-coated cotton fabrics were achieved by this hydrothermal. The surface morphology, crystalline structure, surface chemistry of the uncoated and coated cotton fabrics were investigated by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform Infra red spectroscopy, respectively. Ultraviolet properties and washing fastness of treated cotton fabric were also measured. The results indicated that the sizes of 100–500 nm spherical ZnO nanoparticles were successfully deposited on cotton fiber surface. These spherical ZnO nanoparticles were uncompleted crystal structure. Chemical bond between ZnO nanoparticles and cotton fiber was also observed. ZnO-coated cotton fabrics exhibited better ultraviolet-resistant properties than that of uncoated cotton fabrics. Washing resulted in a dramatic decrease in the UPF of ZnO-coated fabrics, but the UPF of coated fabrics was still up to 30.1 after 90 min of washing. All results suggest that this method had good potential in preparing ZnO functional textiles.

Keywords:

• Cotton
• ZnO
• coating
• modified hydrothermal