Structural coloration and ultraviolet protective fabrication on fabrics coated with SiO2/TiO2 multilayer films via a magnetron sputtering method

Interference structural colors and excellent ultraviolet (UV) protection performance were prepared by coating SiO2/TiO2 composite multilayer film on polypropylene non-woven fabrics (PP-NW) and polyester woven fabrics (PET-W) via a magnetron sputtering method. The colors on the coated structured film of substrate/[TiO2/SiO2](k)/air (TSk) and substrate/[SiO2/TiO2](k)/air (STk) (k=2, 3, 4, 5) was confirmed to be the interference structural colors. The positions and numbers of the strongest reflection peaks of the reflection-reducing type of TSk film and the reflection-enhancing type of STk film were consistent with theoretical calculations. The optical properties obtained from depositing the same STk film on PP-NW and PET-W were different. The reflectivity of the STk film was greater than the TSk film. The STk-coated samples with the PET substrate have a higher reflectivity than samples with the PP substrate because of the higher refractive index of PET. The reflection-enhancing film structure and higher refractive index substrate improved the film reflectivity. This research offered a theoretical basis and practical guidance for structural coloration and functional fabrication on fabric substrates.

Automated summary

Interference structural colors with excellent UV protection were achieved by coating SiO2/TiO2 composite multilayer films on polypropylene non-woven fabrics and polyester woven fabrics using magnetron sputtering. The positions and numbers of the strongest reflection peaks on the coated films matched theoretical calculations. The optical properties differed when depositing the same film on different substrates, with the PET substrate having higher reflectivity due to a higher refractive index. This research provides theoretical and practical guidance for structural coloration and functional fabrication on fabric substrates.