Anti-UV Radiation Textiles Designed by Embracing with Nano-MIL (Ti, In)–Metal Organic Framework

Abstract

Protective textiles against harmful solar radiation are quite important materials for outdoor workers to secure their skin from several diseases. Current report focuses on production of anti-ultraviolet radiation (UVR) textiles by incorporation of nano-metal-organic frameworks (n-MOFs). Two different MIL-MOFs, namely, MIL-68(In)-NH₂ and MIL-125(Ti)-NH₂, were immediately formed inside natural textiles (cotton and silk) matrix in nano size using quite simple and one-pot process. The formation of n-MIL-MOFs inside textiles were confirmed by using electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Different size and morphology were seen depending on textile type reflecting the textiles' chemical composition role in the nature of prepared MIL-MOFs. For MIL-68(In)-NH₂, particles with size distribution of 70.6-44.5 nm in cotton and 81.3-52.2 nm in silk were detected, while crystalline disc of MIL-125(Ti)-NH₂ was clearly seen inside textiles. The natural textiles exhibited full UVR blocking after modification, and the UV protection factor (UPF) was linearly proportional with MIL-MOFs and metal contents. Whatever metal type, direct incorporation of MIL-MOF contents greater than or equal to 10.4 g/kg was sufficient to attain excellent UV blocking property. Although 38.5-41.0% of MIL-MOFs was lost during five washings, the washed samples showed very good blocking rate (UPF = 26.7-36.2) supporting good laundering durability.