Enhancing some functional properties of viscose fabric

Area of Science:

• Textile Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Viscose fabrics require functional finishing to improve properties like performance and bioactivity.
• Easy care finishing agents are commonly used to impart desirable characteristics to textiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the functional properties of viscose fabrics using Tinosan CEL, silver nanoparticles, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
• To investigate the effects of these additives, alone and in combination, within easy care finishing formulations.
• To evaluate the impact of poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) and softeners on the enhanced properties.

Main Methods:

• Viscose fabrics were treated using padding techniques with finishing formulations containing dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU), Tinosan CEL (TC), Ag nanoparticles, and TiO2 nanoparticles.
• Formulations were tested with additives incorporated individually and in admixtures.
• The effects of poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) and Silicon(®)-SLH softener were also assessed.

Main Results:

• Finishing with 10 g/l TC and 60 g/l DMDHEU improved fabric performance and antibacterial properties.
• Incorporation of Ag or TiO2 nanoparticles in DMDHEU or DMDHEU/TC baths enhanced antibacterial, UV-blocking, and self-cleaning properties.
• Poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) further improved these functional properties and wash durability.
• Silicon(®)-SLH softener inclusion affected fabric performance and antibacterial characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Easy care finishing of viscose fabrics with specific nanoparticles and additives can significantly enhance functional properties.
• The combination of DMDHEU, TC, and nanoparticles offers a promising approach for developing advanced functional textiles.
• Further research into additive interactions, particularly with softeners, is warranted for optimized textile finishing.