Enhanced functional properties of cotton fabrics using TiO ₂ /SiO ₂ nanocomposites

Anatase titania (TiO ₂ ) nanoparticles were prepared from natural minerals (rutile sand) using acid extraction by sol–gel method. The obtained X-ray diffraction results show that the particle possesses crystallite size of 12 nm. The colloidal silica and TiO ₂ nanoparticle-embedded colloidal silica solutions were prepared using sol–gel method followed by sonication process. The particle size was measured for the prepared colloidal TiO ₂ /SiO ₂ sol. The prepared solution was coated on the surface of the cotton fabric through pad-dry-cure method. Elemental analysis confirms the presence of TiO ₂ /SiO ₂ nanocomposite along with cellulose on the surface of the fabric. The washing durability of the coated fabrics after fifth and 10th washes indicates that the nanoparticles strongly adhered to the fabric surface. The ultraviolet resistance, burning performance, and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria of TiO ₂ /SiO ₂ -coated fabric were found to be better than those of un-coated fabrics before and after washing.