Sol–gel finishing of bamboo fabric with nanoparticles for water repellency, soil release and UV resistant characteristics

This research work reports on the preparation of a durable hydrophobic bamboo knitted fabric with multifunctional properties using sol–gel coating method. The titania nanoparticles (TNPs) and silica nanoparticles (SNPs) composite sols were made using citric acid as cross-linking agent. The bamboo knitted fabric was functionalized by the dip-pad-dry-pad-cure method. Different ratios of TNPs and SNPs were made. All process and solution parameters of sol–gel coating method were optimized to achieve the desired fabric properties. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, EDS and SEM analysis were carried out to characterize the untreated and sol–gel coated bamboo knitted fabrics. The hydrophobicity, soil release, UV resistance and wash-durability of bamboo knitted fabrics functionalized with NPs (nanoparticles) were measured. The results revealed that the sol–gel coating of TNPs and SNPs on bamboo fabric was durable up to five industrial washes. Moreover, air permeability and fabric handle did not change after sol–gel finishing indicating that the fabric inherent comfort remained unaffected. Graphic abstract