Effect of Dicarboxylic Acid Chain Length on the Self-Cleaning Property of Nano-TiO₂-Coated Cotton Fabrics

In this study, the effect of dicarboxylic acid chain length on the amount of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) adsorption-produced self-cleaning property and washing durability on cotton fabrics were investigated. First, cotton fabric samples were treated with three kinds of dicarboxylic acids--oxalic, succinic, and adipic acids--and then dipped in TiO2NP solution with a certain concentration. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to investigate bonds formation between dicarboxylic acid groups and hydroxyl groups of cellulose, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was applied for the analysis of surface morphology in specimens. Drop absorbency time was determined for samples using the AATCC TM 79:2000. Washing stability and the amount absorption of TiO2NPs were determined by weighing and absorption spectrophotometry procedures, and the stain removal evaluation was conducted to assess the self-cleaning property. Results showed that all of the dicarboxylic acids used in this experiment improved the amount of TiO2NPs absorbed onto cotton samples and their durability to washing. In addition, color variation of samples treated with oxalic acid after 180 min of UV irradiation and drop absorbency time for samples treated with succinic acid were significantly increased by about 126 and 600%, respectively. The best durability was obtained from adipic acid, while a better self-cleaning property was obtained from oxalic acid.