Using nano technology for imparting PET/C blended fabric new functional performance properties

This article, discuss the effect of finishing polyester/cotton blended fabric (PET/C) with alkali and Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO ₂ NPs) simultaneously. The treatment conditions such as NaOH and TiO ₂ NPs concentrations, reaction temperature and duration will be investigated. The effect of addition NPs on alkaline treatment conditions will prove through weight loss and carboxylic content. The ability of PET/C fabrics for loading with NPs during alkaline treatment was investigated by using SEM, EDX, and FTIR measurements. The effect of finishing of PET/C blended fabric with the suggested method on antimicrobial activity and ultraviolet protection was investigated. The simultaneous finishing of PET/C blended fabrics with alkali and TiO ₂ NPs showed excellent ultraviolet protection and high antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive ( Bacillus mycoides), Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli), and nonfilamentous fungus ( Candida albicans). The functional performance imparted to PET/C fabrics by the suggested approach are durable in repeated laundering processes, even after five Launder-Ometer washes.