Augmentation of functional properties on Cotton Fabric using milled TiO2 nanopowders

The effect of the milling process on TiO2 nanopowders and the functional properties of TiO2 coated cotton fabric was investigated. The XRD analysis reveals that the milled TiO2 nanopowders reduce its size in Nano scale when milling time increases. SEM analysis reveals that the milled TiO2 powder shows a seed-like structure. FTIR spectra show the presence of the functional groups in milled TiO2 nanopowders and TiO2 coated cotton fabric. The hydrophobic test exhibits that the 100 and 125 hours of milled TiO2 nanopowders coated cotton fabric has 70% water repellency. The bursting strength (shearing stress) of TiO2 coated cotton fabric also indicates an appreciable value of about 503.6 Kpa. TiO2 nano finishing of cotton fabric can eliminate up to 99.99% of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia bacterial strains, which would be suitable for sports wears and surgical clothes.