Fabrication and characterization of self-assembled multifunctional coating deposition on a cellulose substrate

In order to improve the anti-ultraviolet property, anti-bacterial performance, color strength and color fastness of cellulose substrates, a new strategy is presented for multilayer SiTiSi color deposition through layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly on a cellulose fabric surface. Alkaline SiO2, acidic TiO2 and cationic SiO2 sols were applied to the fiber surface successively in an order to maximize the electronic interaction. SiOTi bonds were formed due to interlayer interaction. After coating, the color strength (K/S) of the fiber showed moderate improvement, whereas the color fastness to rubbing was enhanced significantly. In addition, the coated fabric exhibited drastic enhancement in anti-ultraviolet radiation transmission and anti-bacteria characteristics. The improvements of these properties were due to the physical and chemical properties of these sols coatings, and the mechanisms were studied by FTIR-ATR spectra and SEM analysis. Although the lighting fastness and the style of the coated fabric are decreased slightly, the washability is improved effectively and the breaking strength of the coated cellulose fabric is not damaged.