Structural and ultraviolet-protective properties of nano-TiO₂-doped polypropylene filaments

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2010-01, Vol.115 (1), p.152-157
• Main Authors: Erdem, Nilüfer, Erdogan, Umit Halis, Cireli, Aysun Aksit, Onar, Nurhan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; fibers; Fibers and threads; Filaments; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Melt spinning; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; poly(propylene); Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polypropylenes; PP; structure; Technology of polymers; Textiles; Titanium dioxide
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.30950

Textiles, with appropriate light absorbers and suitable finishing methods, can be used as ultraviolet (UV) protection materials. In this study, we investigated the effects of nano-TiO₂ particles on the UV-protective and structural properties of polypropylene (PP) textile filaments. Master batches of PP/TiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by melt compounding before spinning, and filaments incorporating 0.3, 1, and 3% TiO₂ nanoparticles were spun in a pilot melt-spinning machine. The structural properties of the nanocomposite fibers were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and tensile tests. The UV-protection factor was determined to evaluate the UV-protective properties of the filaments. In conclusion, although the structure and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite filaments were slightly affected by the addition of nano-TiO₂, the UV-protective properties of the PP filaments improved after treatment with nano-TiO₂, and the nanocomposite filaments exhibited excellent UV protection.