Quick Screening Method for the Photocatalytic Activity of Textile Fibers and Fabrics

Abstract

A quantitative photometric screening method for the measurement of the degradation of formaldehyde by photocatalytic fibers and fabrics was developed. For quick screening, formaldehyde was chosen as an analyte because of its environmental relevance in indoor air pollution, its easy handling, common use and clear degradation pathway. The degradation of formaldehyde was measured quantitatively by a sensitive photometric method after irradiation in the presence of fibers or fabrics. This method allows a fast screening of produced fibers and fabrics with respect to their odor reduction capability. It is able to reveal the differences in the formaldehyde degradation capabilities of, for example, fibers with different titers as well as fibers or fabrics with various contents of the photocatalyst, titanium dioxide.