Biopolymer Research Group
N. Abidi, L. Cabrales, E. Hequet. 2009. Functionalization of Cotton Fabric Surface with Titania Nanosols: Applications for Self Cleaning and UV Protection Properties. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 1(10) 2141-2146.
Abstract: In this study, cotton fabric was successfully modified by titania nanosols prepared by means of the sol-gel process with tetrabutyl orthotitanate (Ti(OC4H9)4) as active ingredient. The cotton fabric was padded with the nanosol solution, dried at 60oC, and cured at 150oC. Scanning Electron Microscopy showed the presence of a titania film on the fiber surface. The photocatalytic properties of titania nanosol-treated cotton fabric were investigated. The results showed that stains of coffee and red wine were successfully decomposed by exposure of the stained fabric to UV radiation. Furthermore, titania nanosol treatment imparted to the cotton fabric a very good protection against UV radiation. The durability of the treatment was investigated by performing repeated home laundering and the results showed no effect of laundering on the UV protection efficiency.
Keywords: Titania nanosol, functionalization, cotton fibers, sol-gel, modification, coatings, ultraviolet radiation
N. Abidi, E. Hequet, L. Cabrales, J. Gannaway, T. Wilkins, and L.W. Wells. 2008. Evaluating Cell Wall Structure and Composition of Developing Cotton Fibers using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 107, 476-486.
ABSTRACT: Universal attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (UATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to investigate the structural changes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fibers as a function of developmental programming. The presence of noncellulosic compounds (wax, protein, hemicelluloses, pectic substances, amino acids, etc.) was evident from FTIR spectra of fibers at 10, 14, 17, and 20 dpa (day post anthesis). The vibration corresponding to the noncellulosic compounds disappeared at 36 dpa. Furthermore, independent TGA analysis supported the results obtained with FTIR, showing that the transition from primary cell wall synthesis to secondary cell wall synthesis occurs at or around 20 dpa. This study is the first to report on the use of the UATR FTIR and TGA to elucidate structural changes during cotton fiber development. 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 107: 476–486, 2008.
Key words: cotton; cell wall; fiber development; Gossypium; FTIR; TGA
Wiley InterScience :: JOURNALS :: Journal of Applied Polymer Science