Anti-ultraviolet and physical properties of woolen fabrics cured with citric acid and TiO2/chitosan

This experiment is to research the chemical compositions of the crosslink of the woolen, oxidized with H2O2 of various concentrations and temperatures, cured with the citric acid and TiO2/chitosan liquid of different proportions, and then observed by means of Fourier Transfer Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR), Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), and Thermo-Gravity Analyzer (TGA). Its antishrinkage, antimicrobes, antiultraviolet, strength, elasticity, softness, and yellowness are also investigated to Study the changes in its physical properties. From the result, we can see, under the SEM, the sign of disappearance of woolen scales owing to the destruction by H2O2 oxidization; the more H2O2 and its oxidization temperature, the more serious their destruction. The phenomenon of crosslink is not obvious after oxidization and curing treatment with TiO2/chitosan, but it somehow apparently happens to the woolen surface. Because TiO2/chitosan does not intertwine with the woolen well, which has few effects of heat, the woolen shrinks less with more H2O2 and oxidization temperatures. Its antishrinkage is better. But the more wash, the more shrinkage. However, TiO2 covered with chitosan catches less sunlight, and thus cannot suppress or even kill microbes. The woolen processed with nanometer TiO2 enhances the effect of antiultraviolet, which is better as the density of TiO2 increases. The strength and elasticity of the woolen are worse for more H2O2 and the higher temperature destroy scales and make the woolen coarse, yellow,and less soft. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.