In-situ modification of natural fabrics by Cu-BTC MOF for effective release of insect repellent (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide)

Insect repellent fabrics are now of interest to secure human beings from the harmful effects of insects, but control the release of insect repellent from such fabrics is much important. The present study showed a good strategy to release effectively of N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) as insect repellent, from natural fabrics. Copper-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (Cu-BTC) as metal organic framework (MOF) material was in-situ incorporated into the matrix of natural fabrics including Cotton, Linen and Silk. DEET was then loaded onto the modified fabrics and the release of DEET from fabrics was studied. The successfulness of Cu-BTC incorporation was confirmed by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The measured contents of Cu and Cu-BTC in fabrics were ranged in 35.9-38.9 and 115.4-130.3 mg/g fabrics, respectively. After loading the DEET into fabrics, the measured content of DEET was followed the order of Silk < Linen < Cotton and the modified fabrics exhibited much higher DEET by percent of 65-110%. Due to MOF modification, the released amount of DEET from fabrics was considerably increased by value of 205-220 mg/g and the release time became as long as 24-36 h. The release rate was fitted well to zero order model as the rate is independent of the reactant concentration. The so-obtained product can be applicable as disposable insect repellent materials for controllable and effective release of DEET for such a long residence time exceeded 9 days.