Nano-colloidal functionalization of textiles based on polysiloxane as a novel photo-catalyst assistant: Processing design

Due to the opposite surface charge of TiO2 and silver nano-particles, at around neutral pH, it is expected that the interaction between these particles and cross-linkable polysiloxane (XPs) resin and thus their final properties would be affected by their processing technique. This paper has focused on the effect of processing design on the interaction, surface orientation and final properties of surface nano-colloidal functionalization. The results disclosed the key role of the applied process on the properties of the treated fabrics which have been well discussed through the modeling of this effect on orientations of nanoparticles on the surface. The developed models are interestingly verified by various characterizations. Applying a premixed TiO2/XPs colloid as an after treatment on Ag treated samples caused more enhanced stain photo-degradability and UV protection properties, while the reduction of enhanced hydrophobicity, washing durability, and stain-repellency were observed as compared to applying Ag/XPs premixed colloid on TiO2. The role of processing on XPs stabilizing efficiency and its co-photo-catalytic function on TiO2 nanoparticles has been concluded and deeply discussed. The appropriate processing design can be tailored in order to accomplish desirable hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity with a granted bioactivity. The results reveal that ideal bioactivity, stain photo-degradability, self-cleaning, UV protection, anti-staining properties, and washing durability can be achieved by applying a mixture of silver and XPs as an after-treatment on TiO2 treated fabrics. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.