Novel study of carbon nanotubes as UV absorbers for the modification of cotton fabric

This study was designed to investigate the ability of single- and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as an ultraviolet radiation absorber for cotton fabric finishing. The results were compared with the traditional nano- and micro-mineral UV absorbers of ZnO and TiO2 as well as chemical UV absorber Ciba Fast W. The performance of the finishing process was determined by both calculating the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) and controlling the color change of blue wool substrate located under the cotton samples. The results showed that similar to common UV absorbers, CNTs enjoy the specific absorption value in the UV region of the electromagnetic spectrum. In addition, a maximum UPF value was obtained for the cotton fabric treated with the SWCNT. As a result, for textiles and coatings applications, CNTs could be brought in UV protection finishing as an alternative absorber. Additionally, comparison of the results showed that the UV absorption of nano-ZnO and nano-TiO2 are more than the micro forms due to the higher specific surface.