FUNCTIONALIZATION OF COTTON FABRIC WITH β-CYCLODEXTRIN AND NANO-ZnO

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the morphological, thermal, color, and ultraviolet protection properties of 100% cotton fabric treated with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and ZnO nanoparticles by the pad-dry-cure technique. The grafting solution was composed of β-CD at 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5 g/L used alone or in combination with citric acid (2.5 and 5 g/L) as a crosslinking agent, and dibasic sodium phosphate as catalyst (1.5 g/L). The binding of β-CD in cotton was confirmed by the phenolphthalein colorimetric method. The amount of β-CD grafted increased significantly with an increasing concentration used during impregnation. For the fabric samples treated with nano-ZnO, the presence of β-CD imparts a more homogeneous morphology and reduces the total color difference. The use of β-CD was decisive for the UV protection property. Control samples and those functionalized only with ZnO nanoparticles showed minimal protection, but samples containing β-CD and ZnO nanoparticles had very good protection. The results were maintained after five washing cycles at 40 °C, demonstrating the potential of the association of β-CD and ZnO nanoparticles for obtaining functional textiles.