Abstract
In this study, a photocatalytic material (the nano-sized titanium dioxide) was introduced into poly (lactic acid) (PLA) to produce films with self-cleaning function. Prototypes containing 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% nano filler were prepared and then etched with proteinase K to expose the nano particles on the surface. Thermal properties of the polymer matrix were evaluated by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The self-cleaning function was assessed by the discoloration of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous condition via a UV-vis spectrophotometer. It was found that the nano particle had a minimal effect on the thermal property of the polymer matrix. The samples containing 15 wt% nano filler could totally degrade the methylene blue after 24h UV irradiation. The research findings might provide useful suggestions on the development of self-cleaning textiles based on TiO2 nano particles.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 121-126 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Industria Textila |
| Volume | 67 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2016 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Enzymatic etching
- Methylene blue photo-degradation
- Photocatalytic
- Poly (lactic acid) (PLA)
- Self-cleaning surface
- Titanium dioxide (P25)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Materials Science (miscellaneous)
- Business, Management and Accounting(all)
- Environmental Science(all)
- Polymers and Plastics