Surface modification of jute-cotton union fabric using TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles for multifunctional properties.

In this study TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles were employed as a protective coating to impart multifunctional properties, i.e. self-cleaning, water repellency, UV protection and antimicrobial activity onto jute-cotton union fabric. Through the sol-gel method, using titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) and zinc acetate as precursors, TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized. Following the dip-pad-dry-cure method along with a 2 wt% of acrylic binder, the synthesized particles were applied on the jute-cotton union fabric. Subsequently, antibacterial activity, self-cleaning properties and physical properties like water absorbency, crease recovery, water vapor permeability, tensile strength, and tear strength of the treated fabric were tested and evaluated. The structural properties of the nano-particles were distinguished by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and SEM. Upon comparing the test results of the coated fabric with the uncoated fabric, the results were found to be extremely satisfactory. This study provided valuable insights into the potential of TiO2 and ZnO coating in enhancing properties of jute-cotton union fabric.

"Evaluation of physico-mechanical properties of naturally dyed betel-nut leaf plate (BLPF) - Banana blended fabric".

Betel-nut leaf plate fiber (BLPF) is a lingo-cellulosic natural fiber that can be used to make eco-friendly and biodegradable blended or hybrid fabric with Banana fiber. In the world of organic textiles, naturally dyed BLPF-Banana fiber can be used for wearable products and satisfy health and hygiene issues. BLPF and Banana fiber can be good natural fibers for hybrid fabrics despite being considered waste materials. In this research work, both of the fibers were pretreated carefully to get the desired fineness, color, flexibilities, etc., which are necessary to manufacture fabric. BLPF-Banana woven (1 × 1) hybrid fabric was developed where 12 Ne Banana yarns were used in the warp direction, and 20 Ne BLPF yarns were used in the weft direction and it was dyed naturally with Turmeric. Evaluations of different physico-mechanical properties; tensile strength (854.9 N), tearing strength (14.5 N), stiffness (3.1 N), crease recovery (75° angle), and fabric thickness (1.33 mm) of naturally dyed BLPF-Banana blended fabric were tested, and found satisfactory. SEM, FTIR, and Water vapor transmission tests were also conducted in this study. It attempted to turn the wastages into an asset to make a unique biodegradable BLPF-Banana hybrid fabric by blending two types of natural fibers with the help of natural dyeing substance; it could be a god replacement for synthetic blended fabric.