Polymer-Encapsulated Colorful Al Pigments with High NIR and UV Reflectance and Their Application in Textiles

A polymer-encapsulated colorful Al pigment (PCAP) for fabric coatings was successfully prepared by a combined sol–gel spray drying assisted in situ polymerization method, and the near-infrared (NIR) reflectance and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of the coated fabrics were investigated. TG-DSC, SEM, and antisolvent test results proved that the reactive dyes were chemically attached to KH-550 modified Al pigment via a covalent bond. The PCAP was stable in strong alkaline (pH 12) or acidic (pH 1) conditions. The NIR reflectance and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of PCAP coated cotton fabrics were 80.05% and 290.76, respectively, when the mass ratio of monomer to colorful Al pigment was 1:10 with the coating thickness of 50 μm. PCAP coated fabrics showed excellent color strength, and good washing and rubbing fastness with a relatively good handle