Polymeric nanocomposites provide a powerful strategy for engineering multifunctional smart textiles. This work reports a novel carboxylic acid-functionalized naphthoxazine (NZ-COOH) monomer, prepared via a one-pot Mannich condensation and fully characterized (1D/2D NMR, MS, FTIR). The cured polynaphthoxazine, Poly(NZ-COOH), exhibits excellent thermal properties, including a high glass transition temperature (260 °C) and a char yield of 58%. Poly(NZ-COOH)/TiO 2 nanocomposites were prepared on cotton fabrics via the pad-dry-cure method, yielding treated fabrics with TiO 2 loadings of 1, 3, and 5 wt %. Structural analysis (XRD, SEM, EDS) confirmed the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the treated fabrics, facilitated by hydrogen bonding between the polymer's carboxyl groups and the TiO 2 surfaces. The resulting treatment imparts exceptional multifunctionality: UV protection reaches a UPF of 59.9 (98.5% blocking), hydrophobicity increases to a water contact angle of ∼103°, and potent antibacterial activity against S . aureus is achieved (15.3 mm inhibition zone). Furthermore, the treatment significantly enhances the fabric's mechanical properties. An optimal loading of 3 wt% TiO 2 delivers the best-balanced overall performance, maximizing mechanical reinforcement, surface hydrophobicity, and antimicrobial efficacy due to optimal nanoparticle dispersion and synergistic interfacial interactions. This scalable treatment strategy presents a versatile platform for developing high-performance smart textiles suitable for medical, protective, and technical applications. • Synthesis and characterization of a novel carboxylic acid-functionalized naphthoxazine (NZ-COOH) • Poly(NZ-COOH)/TiO 2 nanocomposites were prepared and coated onto cotton fabrics. • XRD, SEM, and EDS confirm uniform TiO 2 dispersion. • Coated fabrics show enhanced hydrophobicity and UV protection. • 3 wt% TiO 2 gives optimal mechanical, hydrophobic, and antibacterial performance
Mahdy et al. (Fri,) studied this question.