Fabrication of Superhydrophilic Polyester Fabrics Using Various TiO₂ Colloidal Dispersions

The purpose of this research was to apply four stable colloidal dispersions, combining different TiO₂ core-shell nanoparticles, onto polyester fabric, according to exhaustion procedure, in order to enhance fabrics' water and moisture absorption properties. Firstly, all colloidal dispersions were analysed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) and secondly, the morphologies of TiO₂ modified PES surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the superhydrophilic character of fibrous surfaces was investigated by water contact angle measurement. For this purpose, dynamic tensiometry was employed by measuring the changes in the net force on a surface during the repeated immersion and emersion of a solid into a probe liquid. The obtained results show excellent wettability of TiO₂ upgraded PES fabrics depending on the type of applied nano-sized TiO₂-hybride

The Role of TiO₂ Nanoparticles on the UV Protection Ability and Hydrophilicity of Polyamide Fabrics

The focus of this study was to characterize three industrially-prepared (via the sulphate synthesis process) nano-TiO₂ colloidal dispersions with the intention to elucidate their role on the hydrophilicity as well as UV shielding ability when applied onto polyamide fabric. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV spectrophotometry of the selected dispersions proved the presence of TiO₂ nanoparticles of different shapes and sizes, as well as its imposing absorption capability within the UV region. In addition, TiO₂ dispersions in three concentrations accompanied by selected chemicals and auxiliaries were applied on polyamide fabrics according to standard exhaustion procedure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was adopted in order to analyse the morphological structure of nano-TiO₂-upgraded PA fabrics. Furthermore, the UV-protective ability and hydrophilic properties were evaluated. The gained results show excellent blocking properties against UV-rays (UPF 50+), as well as the (super)hydrophilicity of TiO₂-modified PA fabrics, regarding the type of employed TiO₂ colloidal dispersion