Novel properties of PES fabrics modified by corona discharge and colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles

The objective of this study was to highlight the potential application of the corona discharge at atmospheric pressure for the surface activation of polyester (PES) fabrics in order to improve the binding efficiency of colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles. The obtained nanocomposite textile materials provide desirable level of UV protection, self-cleaning properties, and photodegradation activity. The measured UV protection factor (UPF) of fabrics corresponds to UPF rating of 50+, designating the maximum UV protection. Additionally, the total photodegradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution was achieved after 24 hr of UV illumination and this capability was preserved and even improved after four repeated cycles. The results showed that the corona treated PES fabrics loaded with TiO2 nanoparticles had considerably enhanced the overall efficiency compared to PES fabrics loaded only with TiO2 nanoparticles. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.