A novel durable photoactive nylon fabric using electrospun nanofibers containing nanophotocatalysts

This study explores new technique to produce a nylon fabric with durable self-cleaning property. Nylon fabric (polyamide 66) has been coated with electrospun nylon nanofibers containing nanoparticles (TiO2, SrTiO3 and ZnO). The coated samples were heat-setted in order to fixation of the nanofibers on surface of the nylon fabric. The self-cleaning property is tested by discoloration of the stained fabric with Direct Green 6 under UV irradiation. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were employed to characterize the treated nylon fabrics. The treated fabrics showed excellent photoactivity toward dye degradation. Moreover, the photoactivity of the treated fabrics stable after repeat laundering. (C) 2013 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.