Nano-TiO2/maleic acid/triethanol amine/sodium hypophosphite colloid on cotton to produce cross-linking and self-cleaning properties

Application of a colloid of nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2), maleic acid (MA), sodium hypophosphite (SHP), and triethanol amine on cotton fabrics through pad–dry–cure process was investigated to produce a cross-link cotton fabric with self-cleaning properties without yellowing. The central composite design was used for variables based on Design of Expert software. The degradation of methylene blue on the surfaces of treated fabrics was monitored to investigate the self-cleaning property. Also the crease recovery angles (CRA) of the fabrics was studied to investigate cross-linking of cotton fabric. Moreover, the surfaces of the treated cotton fabrics were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimum treatment conditions to obtain cross-linking and self-cleaning properties on the cotton fabric were introduced. Increasing concentrations of MA to 20% increased the fabric CRA due to cross-linking of cellulose in the presence of MA and SHP. The treated fabrics have good self-cleaning performance with desirable durability against repeated washings. The SEM pictures also confirmed the immobilization of the nano-TiO2 particles on the fabric surface that remain after 10 washing cycles.