Enhancement of Thermal Stability, Flame Retardancy, and Antimicrobial Properties of Cotton Fabrics Functionalized by Inorganic Nanocomposites

In this investigation, various metal oxide (ZrO2, MgO, TiO2) nanoparticles were prepared using the hot-air spray pyrolysis method. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy. The colloidal silica (SiO2) sol was prepared using the solgel method, mixed with various metal oxides (ZrO2, MgO, TiO2). Uncoated cotton fabrics were separately impregnated with the prepared nano(composite) sols followed by the pad-dry-cure method. The structural analysis of the coated and uncoated fabrics was performed using XRD. The surface morphology of the coated and uncoated cotton fabrics was analyzed using SEM. The elemental analysis using energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the presence of nanoparticles along with cellulose on the surface of the fabric. The thermal stability and flame retardancy properties and residue of the coated and uncoated fabrics were studied. The coated cotton fabrics showed better antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The biocompatibility performance of the coated fabrics was in the order TiO2/SiO2 > MgO/SiO2 > SiO2 > ZrO2/SiO2.