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Nanocrystalline titanium dioxide has been prepared under ambient pressure and at temperatures close to or approaching room temperature using hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide in an acidic aqueous solution. A transparent thin layer of nanocrystalline titania has been produced on cotton textiles by a dip-pad-dry-cure process. These TiO 2 coated cotton textiles possess significant photocatalytic self-cleaning properties, such as bactericidal activity, colorant stain decomposition and degradation of red wine and coffee stains. The UV absorption and tearing strength of the TiO 2 coated cotton has also been studied. Self-cleaning cotton may find potential commercialization in the textile industry.

In this study, a new approach to a uv-blocking treatment for cotton fabrics is developed using the sol-gel method. The treatment forms a thin layer of titania on the surface of cotton fibers, and the treated fabrics show much improved protection against UV radiation. with a UPF factor of 50+ or excellent protection according to the Australian/New Zealand standards. The treated fabrics are also tested for washfastness. The results show that the excellent uv protection rating of the treated fabrics can be maintained even after 55 home launderings, indicating a high level of adhesion between the titania layer and the cotton. A bursting strength test of the treated fabrics shows no adverse effect from the treatment.

While energy shortage is always an issue, the impending exhaustion of fossil fuel sources makes it an ever increasingly pressing one.

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