Development of Cotton Fabrics via EVA/SiO2/Al2O3 Nanocomposite Prepared by γ-Irradiation for Waterproof and Fire Retardant Applications

Abstract

Development of cotton fabric (CF) properties using nanocomposites via coating method was of considerable interest for wide applications. This article aims at developing CF properties by coating treatment using ethylene–vinyl-acetate (EVA), silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles and γ-irradiation widely used in waterproof and flame retardant applications. EVA-based nanocomposites, EVA/SiO2, EVA/Al2O3, and EVA/SiO2/Al2O3, were synthesized by γ-irradiation and the highest gel content of 81.2–95.3% was achieved at 30 kGy. The physicochemical properties of EVA-based nanocomposites were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, DSC and SEM techniques. Usage of irradiated EVA and EVA-based nanocomposites for treatment of CF by coating technique was successfully achieved. This technique provides a simple and versatile method leading to excellent uniform and smooth surface morphology without aggregation. The weight gain, mechanical properties, thermal properties, water vapor permeability and flame-retardant properties of the modified CF were evaluated. Moreover, compared with control CF, the resistivity of water absorptivity and hydrophobic property and the thermal stability were gained. The flame retardant properties of CF samples were performed using limited oxygen index (LOI) and vertical burning flame tests. LOI percentages of CF/EVA/SiO2, CF/EVA/Al2O3 and CF/EVA/SiO2/Al2O3 increased to 25.3, 27.5, and 29.3%, respectively. Untreated CF ignited and burned rapidly after 5 s. Meanwhile, the treated CF hold flame resistance properties and the burning time prolonged to 25 s. The results of the treated CF providing revealed hydrophobic and protective capability of the fabrics from being destroyed by burning, and support their further use in waterproof and flame retardant applications of fabrics.

In situ growth of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of MXene by γ-ray irradiation to fabricate EVA composite: the improvement of flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and mechanical properties

“…While halogen-containing ones are effective [6], they produce corrosive and toxic gases when burned. Metal hydroxides and intumescent flame retardants are safer alternatives [7], but they may compromise mechanical properties and limit applications [8,9]. Consequently, research focuses on developing better flame retardants.…”

Characteristics and Challenges of Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) Solution Electrospinning

“…Beyond that, PEVA networks have also been shown to exhibit shape-memory properties 7 and a temperature-memory effect. 8 The durability of PEVA, as well as its excellent suitability for thermoplastic melt-based processing including fiber spinning techniques 9 or its suitability for impregnation of cotton textiles, 10 has also opened up a market for PEVA fabrics for indoor and outdoor applications. Beyond the technical field, the versatile use of PEVA expands to life sciences, including the field of drug delivery systems.…”

Characteristics and challenges of Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) solution electrospinning

“…Beyond that, PEVA networks have also been shown to exhibit shape-memory properties [7] and a temperature memory effect [8]. The durability of PEVA, as well its excellent suitability for thermoplastic melt-based processing including fiber spinning techniques [9] or its suitability for impregnation of cotton textiles [10], has also opened up a market for PEVA fabrics for indoor and outdoor applications. Beyond the technical field, the versatile use of PEVA expands to life sciences, including the field of drug delivery systems.…”