Polyaniline-modified natural fibers have been recognized as promising candidates for conductive clothes, UV protection, and electromagnetic interference shielding. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of surface deposition of cotton fibers using polyaniline via in situ polymerization, and preceding structural changes were further screened by FT-IR, UV-Vis, TGA, SEM/EDX, and conductivity in comparison with bare cotton fibers used as the control sample. Polyaniline was introduced on the surface of cotton fibers as a conductive form, which was confirmed by electrical conductivity (1.54 × 10−4 Scm−1) equivalent to semiconductor materials. Detection of particular peaks at NKα 0.379 keV and ClKα 2.621 keV from EDX analysis revealed the introduction of nitrogen and chlorine, respectively. Polyaniline deposition on the cotton surface was successful to introduce hydrophobic environment to the system to enhance resistance to water absorption meaningfully.

This study was aimed at investigating the mineralogical composition and structural features of natural zeolites using XRF, XRD, TGA, FT-IR and SEM. Natural zeolites were subjected to acid-activation and subsequently with NaCl salt to enhance surface area for water hardness softening applications. Peaks around 3560 and 1650 cm-1 belongs to O–H stretching and O–H bending vibrations which confirmed the presence of moisture within zeolite structures. This result was further supported by evolution of moisture above 108°C from thermogravimetric analysis. Fibrous structures which are full of rough texture were examined by SEM. The XRD pattern confirmed Stellerite and Barrerite compositions were dominant crystal structures. The mineralogical analysis determined by XRF showed SiO2, Al2O3 and CaO were dominant oxides. The specific surface area of raw and acid-activated zeolites was estimated by the Sears’ method and hence, the experimental values are 10.2 m2·g-1 and 35.8 m2·g-1, respectively. Batch adsorption parameters such as contact time, pH, adsorbent dose and initial concentrations were studied and optimized. Maximum adsorption capacity (8.04 mg·g-1) was recorded at optimum conditions. The experimental data was fitted-well with Freundlich isotherm model.