Investigating the effect of workwear textile modification with nanometal-embedded PMMA polymer by a spray method on textile air permeability, bending stiffness and surface temperature induced by near-infrared

Abstract

Objectives. This study aimed to optimize modification of cotton–polyester textiles of workwear in terms of air permeability (AP), bending stiffness (BS) and near-infrared (NIR) reflectance using nanometal-embedded polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer by a spray method. Methods. This experimental study was carried out to modify cotton–polyester textiles using nanoparticles of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), tin oxide (SnO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) embedded in PMMA polymer with different weight percentages by a spray method under 215-psi pressure. The surface temperature of the textiles induced by the NIR spectrum and their comfort in terms of AP and BS were measured according to Standard No. ASTM D737 and BS 3356, respectively. Results. Cotton (65%)–polyester (35%) textiles can be modified with a PMMA-based aluminum and zinc nanoparticle composite with equal weight percentage using a pressurized spray method with good durability. Also, most NIR reflection is in the textile coated with aluminum and ZnO nanoparticle composite in the PMMA base. Conclusions. It is recommended that this composite be used in future studies to impregnate the clothing textile of outdoor workers in hot and arid regions by a spray method under pressure and its effects be investigated on reducing heat stress in these workers.

KEYWORDS:

• Modified textile
• nanoparticles
• polymethyl methacrylate
• near-infrared

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Nemazee Hospital’s Clinical Research Development Center and Dr Nasrin Shokrpour for editorial assistance. In this study, explaining the objectives and research process to the subjects, voluntary participation in the study, obtaining written and informed consent from all individuals and confidentiality of information from ethical standards have been observed. The authors would like to thank the authors, textile manufacturers and laboratory experts for their consultation and cooperation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

Data will be made available on request.