Color Build-Up and UV-Protection Performance of Encapsulated Photochromic Dye-Treated Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

A spirooxazine-based photochromic dye was encapsulated by an oil-in-water emulsion, solvent evaporation method. The encapsulated dye was applied to cotton fabric by a pad-cure process with different binder types. Ultraviolet (UV) protection was increased with application of the encapsulated photochromic dye. The type of binder used affected the photochromic color build-up during UV irradiation and could modify the UV protection imparted by the encapsulated photochromic dyes on textiles.

Photochromic Nanofibers

“…Photochromism is described as "the reversible absorption spectrum changes of a compound when the sample is irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light" [23,24]. Photochromic materials exhibit a reversible color change upon the change of UV light intensity.…”

“…The use of these compounds in textile field is problematic due to their poor affinity to the material, low solubility in water, sensitivity to high temperature, etc. [24,28,29]. Many different methods such as encapsulation, sol-gel processing, etc.…”

“…Many different methods such as encapsulation, sol-gel processing, etc. have been developed to improve the application of photochromic compounds [24,[30][31][32].…”

Photochromic Microcapsules for Textile Materials by Spray Drying—Part 1: Production and Characterization of Photochromic Microcapsules

“…This results from the absorption spectrum change of a molecule or crystal (reversibly) when the sample is irradiated by UV light. 1 There are different types of photochromic materials, such as inorganic and organic. Organic molecules can provide a photochromic effect through various reactions, such as pericyclic reactions, cis-trans isomerization, and intramolecular transfers.…”

“…[4][5][6][7] Photochromic dyes have found use in various areas, such as the optical, plastics (e.g., drink bottles and toys), cosmetics (e.g., photochromic nail polishes), and textile industries due to their color changing ability by UV light. 1,8 Commercial applications of photochromic textiles are mainly fashionoriented designs. Studies on the use of photochromic dyes in the development of technical and smart textiles have also gained attention, especially in recent years.…”