Functional versatility of hybrid composite finishing of chitosan-titania NPs-organic UV-absorber for polyacrylonitrile fabric

Abstract

This current study proposes a novel, successful method for multi-finishing polyacrylonitrile fabric. The performance of the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fabric was successfully modified using functional finishing with hybrid composite (chitosan-titania NPs-organic UV absorber). PAN was activated to increase the number of reactive sites available for functional finishing. The effect of the finishing process on the fabric properties and the interaction between the activated PAN fabrics with the hybrid composite was demonstrated. Dyeing with reactive dye was done to monitor the reactive groups formed after alkali hydrolysis of PAN fabric and finishing and has been estimated as the starting point to determine the appropriate finishing bath formulation. The results revealed that the hybrid composite is a multifunctional agent in the fabrication process of bacterial and ultraviolet resistances. The maximum bacterial reduction was 95% E. coli and 92% for S. aureus and the maximum UPF value (108) and excellent protection category against UV radiation. The surface characteristics of the fabrics were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The UPF and antibacterial properties show a minor decrease after five wash cycles. The reduction might be attributable to the unfixed and physically connected finishing agents.