A new approach for imparting durable multifunctional properties to linen-containing fabrics

This study focused on upgrading the antibacterial activity, UV-protection property, self-cleaning ability and durability to wash of linen and linen/cotton (50/50) blend fabrics to develop multifunctional textile materials without adversely affecting their hydrophilicity. Herein, linen-containing fabrics were first pre-carboxymethylated to create new active sites (-CH₂COOH groups) to facilitate subsequent loading of selected active ingredients namely chitosan (Cs), organosilane quaternary ammonium compound (Si-QAC), silver-nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) individually and in admixtures. The developed products, especially in case of using mixed active ingredients, exhibit a noticeable improvement in the imparted functional properties regardless of the used substrate. The effectiveness of the imparted functions is determined by type of substrate, its extent of modification, type, concentration and degree of fixation of the used active ingredient onto the pre-modified substrate. Functionalized samples loaded with mixed active ingredients demonstrated a high durability to wash even after 15 washing cycles.