Effect of plasma treatment on self-cleaning of textile fabric using titanium dioxide

Self-cleaning textiles are attracting increasing attention and the properties of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) are very important in achieving this goal. The aim of this reported project is to enhance the TiO₂ absorption rate on the surface of polyester fabrics using plasma treatment in order to achieve and conduct the durable self-cleaning property more efficiently. In this work, vacuum plasma apparatus (DC magnetron sputtering) was used. Samples were plasma treated for 30 s, 1, 2, 4 and 6 min. Then, the samples were impregnated with TiO₂. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analyses were used for observing TiO₂ particles on the surface of the samples. Finally, the samples were stained using methylene blue and were exposed to daylight for 12 h and the self-cleaning properties were examined. The samples were scanned before and after being placed under light. A water drop test was also performed. Absorption of TiO₂ in the raw sample was less than that of the plasma-treated samples. By increasing the duration of operation, the absorption rate was greater. The results showed the self-cleaning property and good stability for plasma-treated samples.