From Waste Cotton to Functional Textiles: Nanocellulose Reinforcement and Effect of Plasma Treatment

Cellulose is a significant natural polymer with unique characteristics. Cellulose-derived products are increasingly favored in the textile industry owing to their diverse applications. This work attempted to use nanocellulose in the production of functional cotton fabrics. The recycling of cellulose textile yarn waste involves utilizing cotton waste as a feedstock to make nanocellulose products via the acidic hydrolysis technique. The obtained nanocellulose particles were subsequently applied to cotton fabrics pretreated with atmospheric plasma technology. The dimensions, particle dispersion, zeta potential, and SEM images of the nanocellulose particles were analyzed. The resulting nanoparticles were effectively synthesized, and SEM pictures verified their adherence to the surface of cotton fibers. The intensity of the nanocellulose FTIR band in the cotton samples augmented following atmospheric plasma treatment, signifying enhanced adsorption onto the cotton fabric. The XPS results validated the alterations in chemical composition on the surfaces of the samples treated with atmospheric plasma and nanocellulose coating. The treated fabrics demonstrated effective UV protection capabilities. The utilization of nanocellulose particles not only improved the crease recovery angle but also improved the strength of cotton fabrics, rendering them appropriate for technical applications.