Cotton Fabric Surface Modification for Improved UV Radiation Protection Using Sol-Gel Process

In this study, lightweight 100% cotton fabric was successfully modified by the sol-gel process to impart high ultraviolet radiation (UVR) scattering property to the fabric surface. Active ingredients were tetraethyl orthotitanate [Ti(OCH2CH3)4] and tetraethyl orthosilicate [Si(OCH2CH3)4]' The cotton fabric was padded with the nanosol solution, dried at 60'C, and cured at 150°C. Scanning electron microscopy showed continuous and uniform film on the fiber surface. Excellent UVR scattering was obtained with all treated fabrics. Increasing titania content in the nanosol solution leads to increased UVR protection. This is attributed to the increase of the refractive index of the film formed on the fabric surface. Excellent durability of the treatment was obtained, which indicates a good adhesion between the coating and the fabric surface.