Abstract
Textile modification for achieving materials for human performance (medical, protective and sports) is one of the guidance for future textile development in Europe. The present paper shows results of the modification of polyester surface with nanoparticles of activated natural zeolite for achieving better ultraviolet protection. For this purpose the polyester fabric from poly(ethylene terphthalate) for summer clothing was modified by alkaline hydrolysis, ethylenediamine aminolysis and natural zeolite nanoparticle treatment. Alkali hydrolysis modifies the surface of polyester fabric resulting in silk-like textiles but ester-imine exchange by ethylenediamine results in surface amine functionalisation while silk-like look is maintained. Optical brightening increases fabric whiteness and ultraviolet protection, as well as aditionally showing synergistic effects with zeolite. For testing durability of the treatments fabrics were washed.