Preparation of fluorescent cotton fibers with antimicrobial activity using lanthanide-doped pigments

Abstract

Textiles that respond to external stimuli with a change in their properties are referred to as “smart clothing”. Fluorescent textiles, which change color in response to light, are a subset of smart textiles. Herein, fluorescent and hydrophobic composite coatings were prepared and applied onto cellulose-based fabrics by the pad-dry-curing method. This innovative approach involves the integration of lanthanide-doped aluminum strontium oxide pigment phosphor nanoparticles into room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber. The pigment phosphor nanoparticles must be uniformly dispersed without agglomeration in order to create a transparent nanocomposite film. The pad-dry-cured film was successfully cured onto the cotton fabric under ambient conditions. The superhydrophobic activity of the fluorescent fibers improved with increasing pigment content. Both the ultraviolet protection and the antibacterial properties of the coated fibers were also investigated. The generated translucent fluorescent layer exhibited an absorbance peak of 358 nm and an emission peak of 517 nm. The fluorescent cotton fibers exhibited different colors, including white under visible daylight and intense green under ultraviolet devices, as described by the CIE Lab, as well as decay time, excitation and emission spectra. Both the mechanical performance and comfortability of the coated fibers were tested by measuring air permeability and bend length. The spectroscopic results of the treated fabrics are detailed using a scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectra. During ultraviolet stimulation, the coated cloth displayed a reversible and fast fluorescent photochromism that was not fatigued. The qualities of colorfastness were described, including washing, crocking, sweat, and light.