Multifunctional fluorine-free cotton fabrics modified by AgBr–TiO2/OV-POSS nanocomposites

Multifunctional cotton fabric was prepared by coating AgBr–TiO 2 /OV-POSS nanocomposites using the spray coating method. The increase in surface roughness and high adhesion between the coating and the cotton textile were attributed to the presence of AgBr–TiO 2 nanoparticles and the superimposed crosslinking agent octavinyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OV-POSS). Incorporation of the coated layers resulted in an increase in hydrophobicity and a decrease in the surface energy of the cotton fabric. The analytical results showed that the highest water contact angle (WCA) of the cotton fabric coated with AgBr–TiO 2 (5%)/OV-POSS (0.09%) was 150.8 ± 1.2°. The as-prepared samples exhibited excellent mechanical durability and chemical resistance with up to 30 washes, good UV protection and self-cleaning properties. In addition, the AgBr–TiO 2 /OV-POSS coated fabrics showed high efficiency in oil/water separation and methylene blue degradation under UV-A irradiation. The antibacterial activity of AgBr–TiO 2 (5%)/OV-POSS (0.09%) cotton fabrics was tested with K. pneumoniae and S. aureus and showed excellent antibacterial efficacy of > 99%.