Preparation and UV-protective properties of functional cellulose fabrics based on reactive azobenzene Schiff base derivative

Azobenzene Schiff base possesses excellent photochromic or thermochromic properties based on intermolecular proton transfer or cis-trans isomerization. The azobenzene Schiff base containing two reactive groups, N,N-bis{p-[(2'-sulphatoethyl)sulphonyl phenylazo] salicylidene}-1,2-ethylenediamine (BSPEA), was applied to modify cellulose materials. The functional cellulose fabrics containing azobenzene Schiff base groups were prepared. The chemical and morphological structures of functional cellulose fabrics were characterized by element analysis, FT-IR spectrum, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The UV-protection properties of the fabrics were investigated by the ultraviolet transmittance spectra and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). The results show that the functional cellulose fabrics had excellent UV-protection properties with higher UPF value (UPF value reached 31.7) and lower ultraviolet transmittance (less than 5%). The modified cellulose fabrics had not significant influence on the physical properties. The functional cellulose fabrics based on reactive azobenzene Schiff base would have potential application in textile and functional materials. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.