Reducing photoyellowing of wool using nano TiO₂

Wool is the most important animal fiber used in textile industries, but its photostability is very low. Scientists have searched for new ways to increase the photostability of wool. As TiO₂ nano particles have features suitable for new applications, the UV-blocking power of nano TiO₂ may be used for protecting fabrics against UV rays. Treatment of wool with TiO ₂ can be effective for controlling photodegradation. This study focused on protecting wool fabric against UV rays using nano TiO₂. To this end, oxidized and raw wool were treated with citric acid as the cross-linking agent and different concentrations of nano TiO₂. The whiteness and yellowness of wool fabric samples were reported. XRD patterns proved the existence of TiO₂ nano-particles on the wool surface. Finally, the results revealed that nano TiO₂ is a suitable UV absorber on wool fabric and its effect depends on concentration.