A One-step Process for the Modification of Wool Fibers with Titanate Tetrabutyl by Low Temperature Hydrothermal Method

Abstract

In this paper, wool fibers are modified with titanate tetrabutyl by coating and grafting titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles under low temperature hydrothermal conditions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy are used as the characterization techniques. It is found that anatase TiO2 nanocrystals with crystal sizes smaller than 10 nm can be synthesized and simultaneously grafted onto fiber surfaces. In comparison with pristine wool fibers, the thermal stability for the TiO2-coated wool fibers is slightly changed. The ability to block ultraviolet radiation is improved. The volume density is slightly increased. The tensile properties are enhanced, while the crimp properties worsened. A photocatalytic degradation process of methylene blue dye and a decoloration rocess of chlorophyll are developed.