ANTIBACTERIAL, UV PROTECTION AND HYDROPHOBIC PROPERTIES OF COTTON FABRIC COATED WITH TiO2/GO/ZnO COMPOSITES

Abstract

This research aims to improve the functionality of cotton fabrics by coating them with TiO2-GO-ZnO (TNPsGZ) composite to enhance its hydrophobicity, UV protection and antibacterial properties. The TNPsGZ composite was synthesized, characterized and applied to cotton fabric using a dip-dry-cured technique. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles and graphene oxide flakes (TG) were mixed in a weight ratio of 1.94:0.06. The TNPsGZ was synthesized using an ultrasonic-assisted method, combining the TG and zinc oxide particles with four different weights of TG: ZnO (1:1, 1:3, 1:5 and 1:7). The composite was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The TNPsGZ, combined with a binder, was coated onto cotton fabrics, which were subsequently assessed for their hydrophobicity, UV protection and antibacterial activity. The results indicated that the 1:1 ratio significantly improved hydrophobicity, achieving a water contact angle of 129° and strong UV protection with a UPF rating of 30, blocking over 96% of UV-A and 97% of UV-B radiation. However, the composite exhibited limited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.-