Catalytic effect of metal oxide on the modification of functional performance of cellulosic fabrics

Abstract

Cotton fibres are ubiquitous in our daily lives as clothing, furnishing materials and household goods etc. However, their main drawbacks are (i) easy to wrinkle after washing, (ii) burn easily with a high flame velocity, and (iii) prone to attack by certain microorganisms, insects and fungi. This thesis studied the modification of functional performance of cotton fabric by means of catalytic effect of metal oxide and plasma pre-treatment through a series of analytical instruments and characterisation techniques. The modified chemical finishing was aimed to (i) satisfy the functional performance requirements of consumers, (ii) increase innovation by introducing a greater variety to maintain a competitive edge, and (iii) provide satisfactory solutions to environmental issues. It was confirmed that titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and silver oxide when used as catalyst or co-catalyst in the wrinkle-resistant, flame-retardant and anti-microbial finishing treatments could improve the treatment effectiveness and minimise the side effects of treatment such as fabric strength loss, fabric yellowness and change in fabric handle. In addition, plasma pre-treatment could help retain the inherent advantages of substrates while enhancing the properties of the materials. The studies of morphological and surface chemical compositions confirmed the existence of wrinkle-resistant, flame-retardant and anti-microbial agents applied to the cotton fabric specimens. It was also proved that the fibre surfaces were roughened and wrinkled by both the plasma etching effect and the attack of acidic chemical agents. The irregular-shaped and irregular-sized metal oxide particles were unevenly attached to the cotton fabric, while the loading of metal oxide and chemical agents was improved by plasma pre-treatment.