Enhancing UV Protection, Antimicrobial Properties, and Flame Retardancy of Cotton Fabrics Coated with MgO-Al2O3 Nanocomposites
摘要
Metal oxide nanoparticles have been very popular to enhance some specific properties of fabrics when these are applied to fabrics. Multiple nanoparticles can be blended to form nanocomposites and can be used for the enhancement of multiple properties as per their inherent properties. The magnesium oxide nanoparticles are mostly known to impart fire retardancy, whereas the aluminum oxide nanoparticles are known for their antibacterial and UV protection. The objective of this research is to assess the effectiveness of MgO-Al2O3 nanocomposite-coated plain-woven cotton fabrics in terms of ultraviolet protection factor, antibacterial characteristics, and enhancing fire retardant properties. This nanocomposite with three different concentrations was coated on the fabric samples by the pad-dry-cure method. The uniform deposition of the nanocomposite on the coated fabric surface was ensured from the images captured from the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The ultraviolet protection factor, antibacterial, and flame retardance properties of the nanocomposite-coated fabrics are improved as compared with the untreated fabrics. These properties also improved with the increase in the concentration of nanocomposites. The performance of the fire-retardance property of the nanocomposite-coated fabric was evaluated against that of a commercially successful fire-retardant finish, namely Pyrovatex CP. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) and burning time of the 1.5% concentration nanocomposite-coated fabrics were found to be slightly better as compared to the Pyrovatex CP-treated fabrics. Hence, MgO-Al2O3 nanocomposite can be used for the enhancement of multiple properties like ultraviolet protection, antimicrobial, and flame retardancy.