Influence of N-Doped TiO sub(2) Nanocomposite Film on Hydrophilic Property of Rubber Dipping Former Surface

The objective of this study is to explore a method to improve hydrophilicity of the surface of formers that could be more easily dipped to produce high quality dipped rubber products. Photocatalytic TiO sub(2) composite films were prepared by sol-gel method. Glass formers were coated with nitrogen doped TiO sub(2) nanocomposite film by dipping method and annealed at 600[degrees]C for 1 h. Phase formation of TiO sub(2) was characterized by XRD. Morphology of the TiO sub(2) films was observed by using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Optical absorption of the films and degradation concentration of methylene blue had been measured employing UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The hydrophilicity of the thin films was determined in terms of the contact angles of water and NR rubber latex droplets on the coated TiO sub(2) composite films under visible light irradiation. It was found from the experimental study that the TiO sub(2) nano-composite film can improve wet-ability of the coated former surfaces.