Functionalization of cotton fiber by partial etherification and self-assembly of polyoxometalate encapsulated in Cu3(BTC)2 metal-organic framework.

A combination of a Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM), [CuPW11O39](5-), with a Cu3(BTC)2 metal-organic framework (MOF-199/HKUST-1; where BTC is benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate), was successfully self-assembled on a cellulose substrate (cotton) with a room-temperature process. Cotton fibers were functionalized by partial etherification. Cu3(BTC)2 metal-organic framework and polyoxometalate encapsulated in Cu3(BTC)2 metal-organic framework were self-assembled on the carboxymethylate ion sites initiated with copper nitrate using ethanol and water as solvents. Octahedral crystals were observed on both MOF-cotton and POM-MOF-cotton; both contained copper while the POM-MOF-cotton also contained tungsten. Occupancy of POM in MOF cages was calculated to be about 13%. Moisture content remained at 3 to 4 wt % similar to that of untreated cotton. Reactivity to both hydrogen sulfide and methyl parathion was higher for POM-MOF-cotton due to the Keggin polyoxometalate and the extra-framework cations Cu(2+) ions compensating the charges of the encapsulated Keggins. The POM-MOF material was found to effectively remove 0.089 mg of methyl parathion per mg of MOF from a hexane solution while MOF-cotton removed only 0.054 mg of methyl parathion per mg of MOF.

Effect of plasma etching on destructive adsorption properties of polypropylene fibers containing magnesium oxide nanoparticles.

Dermal absorption of pesticides poses a danger for agricultural workers. Use of personal protection equipment (PPE) is required to provide protection; some of the current PPE involves impermeable barriers. In these barrier materials, the same mechanism that prevents the penetration of toxic chemicals also blocks the passage of water vapor and air from flowing through the material, making the garments uncomfortable. Fibers that degrade organophosphate pesticides, such as methyl parathion, were developed by incorporating metal oxides. These modified fibers can be incorporated into conventional fabric structures that allow water vapor to pass through, thereby maintaining comfort. Fibers with self-decontamination functionality were developed by incorporating magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles into a polypropylene (PP) melt-extruded fiber. These fibers were then treated with plasma etching to expose increased surface area of the MgO nanoparticles. Three steps were involved in this research project: (1) determining the reactivity of MgO and methyl parathion, (2) making melt-spun MgO/PP fibers, and (3) testing the reactivity of MgO/PP composite fibers and methyl parathion. It was confirmed that MgO stoichiometrically degrades methyl parathion by way of destructive adsorption. The etching of the PP fibers containing MgO nanoparticles increased the chemical accessibility of MgO reactive sites, therefore making them more effective in degrading methyl parathion. These fibers can enhance the protection provided by PPE to agricultural and horticultural workers and military personnel.

Fungal growth inhibition of regenerated cellulose nanofibrous membranes containing Quillaja saponin.

Antifungal properties were introduced in nonwoven regenerated cellulose (RC) nanofibrous membrane using Quillaja saponin. To generate cellulose membranes, deacetylation of electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibrous membranes was performed using 0.05 M NaOH and ethanol for membranes both loaded and unloaded with Quillaja saponin. Chemical and physical properties of nonwoven CA and RC nanofibrous membrane were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and tensile properties. Our results showed that saponin doping did not affect the morphology of the resulting fibers and that the membrane structure was maintained during deacetylation. The antifungal properties of saponin-loaded fabric were determined at 0 and 24 h against two household fungi, Penicillium roguefortii and Aspergillus ochraceus, and compared with control samples. Our findings show that after 24 h the saponin-loaded fabrics had spores kill of 80.4% and 53.6% for P. roguefortii and A. ochraceus, respectively. Fabric containing Quillaja saponin has potential for household applications and could be evaluated further for medical applications.

Identification of degraded products of aldicarb due to the catalytic behavior of titanium dioxide/polyacrylonitrile nanofiber.

Photocatalytic properties of fibers containing TiO2 nanoparticles were explored for use as a self-decontaminating material using degradation of the pesticide aldicarb as the model toxin. During the analysis of the aldicarb treated sample by liquid chromatography (LC) with diode array detector (DAD), an unidentified peak was found at relative retention time (RT) 3.9 min when compared to aldicarb and major metabolites, aldicarb sulfoxide, and aldicarb sulfone. An analytical method was developed to confirm and identify this degradation product. LC-APCI/MS techniques were used first to analyze molecular ions and major fragments comparing retention times and spectra with those of known standards. FTIR and LC-MS/MS techniques were used to confirm the identity of the degradation product as 2-propenal, 2-methyl-, O-[(methylamino)carbonyl]oxime.

Statistical model of pesticide penetration through woven work clothing fabrics.

Statistical models estimating the level of protection and thermal comfort performance of woven fabrics were developed using simple fabric and liquid parameters. Eighteen woven fabrics were evaluated against three pesticide mixtures of atrazine and pendimethalin at different concentrations. Using three mixtures that represent a range of both surface tension and viscosity, percentages of pesticide penetration are measured, along with fabric thickness, fabric cover factor, yarn twist factor, yarn packing factor, solid volume fraction, wicking height, and air permeability. Statistical analyses are performed to examine the relationship between liquid/fabric parameters and pesticide penetration. Statistical analyses show that fabric cover factor, yarn twist factor, viscosity of pesticide mixture, critical surface tension of solid, and wicking height are significant parameters affecting pesticide penetration. For this purpose, cover factor and twist factor are better parameters in describing the geometry of woven fabrics than solid volume fraction. Modeling of comfort performance of woven fabric based on simple textile parameters shows that the combination of fabric thickness, cover factor, yarn twist factor and yarn packing factor can be used to estimate air permeability of woven fabric. These findings could be used for developing selection charts or tools as guidelines for the selection of personal protective equipment for use in hot, humid environments.