Core–shell titanium@silica nanoparticles impregnating in poly (itaconic acid)/poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) microgel for multifunctional cellulosic fabrics

Abstract

A novel method for multi-finishing cellulosic fabrics is based on the consolidation of a thin layer of active material containing micro-gels, titanium nanoparticles and silica. The titanium@silica core–shell particles were synthesized and characterized for their morphological, structural, and compositional properties using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The nanoparticles are approximately 250 nm in size and have a spherical shape. A microgel/titanium@silica nanoparticles composite was prepared mixing with the gel produced from copolymerizing N-isopropyl acrylamide with itaconic acid and then it was characterized. The prepared gel is characterized to be pH and temperature-sensitive. Pad dry cure from the emulsion was used to applied the prepared gel with and without titanium nanoparticles to the cellulosic fabric. Fabric treated with a gel containing and without titanium nanoparticles was tested for antibacterial properties, ultraviolet protection, temperature, and pH sensitivity. According to the evaluation, treated fabric with titanium nanoparticles has better antibacterial, ultraviolet protection, and is more sensitive to pH and temperature than treated fabric without titanium nanoparticles, and both treated fabrics outperform the untreated one.