BTCA/nano TiO2 synergism on cotton: Enhanced antibacterial features optimized by statistical models

Abstract

The application of Butane tetra carboxylic acid/nano titanium dioxide [(BTCA)/Nano TiO2 (NTO)] on cotton fabric has been used to cross-linked cellulose, and yield higher NTO absorption and enhanced selfcleaning properties. In this research, the synergistic effect of BTCA and NTO on antibacterial properties of the cotton fabric was investigated. The NTO particles were stabilized on the cotton surface using BTCA. Then, different curing conditions (UV, Temp, and UV-Temp) were examined. The treated fabrics indicated an antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. The role of both BTCA and NTO concentrations on antibacterial properties of the cotton fabric were investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). Also, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to confirm the NTO particles on the cotton surface. Cotton fabric treated with optimum concentration of NTO and BTCA obtained enhanced antibacterial properties.