Graphitic Carbon Nitride as a New Sustainable Photocatalyst for Textile Functionalization

As a promising organic semiconducting material, polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has attracted much attention due to its excellent optical and photoelectrochemical properties, thermal stability, chemical inertness, nontoxicity, abundance, and low cost. Its advantageous visible light-induced photocatalytic activity has already been beneficially used in the fields of environmental remediation, biological applications, healthcare, energy conversion and storage, and fuel production. Despite the recognized potential of g-C3N4, there is still a knowledge gap in the application of g-C3N4 in the field of textiles, with no published reviews on the g-C3N4- functionalization of textile materials. Therefore, this review article aims to provide a critical overview of recent advances in the surface and bulk modification of textile fibres by g-C3N4 and its composites to tailor photocatalytic self-cleaning, antibacterial, and flame retardant properties as well as to create a textile catalytic platform for water disinfection, the removal of various organic pollutants from water, and selective organic transformations. This paper highlights the possibilities of producing g-C3N4-functionalized textile substrates and suggests some future prospects for this research area.

Textiles Functionalized with ZnO Nanoparticles Obtained by Chemical and Green Synthesis Protocols: Evaluation of the Type of Textile and Resistance to UV Radiation

The study evaluates five types of commercial textiles with different cotton and polyester contents widely used in the garment industry. These textile samples have been subjected to treatment by the exhaustion method using zinc oxide nanoparticles (NP ZnO) (textile functionalization) with the aim of improving their efficiency in blocking UV radiation. The ZnO nanoparticles have been obtained by two methods: The green or also called biosynthesis (using the extract of Coriandrum sativum as an organic reducing agent), and the chemical method (using NaOH as an inorganic reducing agent). The results related to the green method show having achieved a defined geometric configuration with an average size of 97.77 nm (SD: 9.53). On the contrary, the nanostructures obtained by the chemical method show pentagonal configurations with average sizes of 113 nm (SD: 6.72). The textiles functionalized with NP ZnO obtained by biosynthesis showed a better efficiency in blocking ultraviolet radiation (UV).

Bioactive and superabsorbent cellulosic dressing grafted alginate and Carthamus tinctorius polysaccharide extract for the treatment of chronic wounds

Diabetic foot ulcers have a negative impact on the lives of patients and are highly vulnerable to infection, leading to amputation too often. It is essential that the patient with a diabetic foot ulcer receives the best possible care. Herein, we developed a new functionalized cellulosic wound dressing with high-improved healing properties, able to be a serious alternative for diabetic acute wounds. First, a bioactive polysaccharide was extracted from the Carthamus tinctorius plant. Then a new crosslinked polymer-based alginate/ C. tinctorius polymer extract was prepared and checked for combined antimicrobial and tissue regeneration properties. Afterward, the efficiency of the textile functionalization process was optimized through studying the influence of different grafting parameters: curing conditions and the concentration of the impregnating solution. The drop method wettability technique exhibited significant improvement in the hydrophilicity behavior of treated textile samples, which increased with the grafting rate. Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis or differential thermal analysis were investigated to test whether the chemical permanent grafting resisted the severe standard washing conditions. The tensile strength characteristics showed that the grafting does not affect the original mechanical properties of treated textile dressings. A morphological study via scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the permanent textile finishing performance and permitted us to assess its chemical grafting approach onto the treated surfaces. The biological and the bacteriological investigations of functionalized dressings proved that the functional biomaterial could be used as a medical bioactive device with improved biological properties.

Functionalization of Wool Fabric Using Pineapple Peel Extract (PPE) as a Natural Dye

Large quantities of pineapple peel waste are discarded every year that can be used for extraction of useful textile functionalization chemicals. In the present work, pineapple peel extract (PPE) was used for simultaneous dyeing and multifunctional finishing of wool fabric. The PPE was used for dyeing wool fabrics, with and without mordants. The dyed fabrics were characterized and evaluated for color values and fastness properties. The functional properties of the dyed fabrics viz. antibacterial activity, UV protection, and antioxidant activity were evaluated. It was confirmed that wool fabric can be dyed using pineapple peel extract without mordants; however, additional color strength can be gained using pre-mordanting. The dyed fabrics showed light shades with good fastness properties along with excellent functional properties.

Zinc Oxide for Functional Textile Coatings: Recent Advances

The use of ZnO for the functionalization of textile substrates is growing rapidly, since it can provide unique multifunctional properties, such as photocatalytic self-cleaning, antimicrobial activity, UV protection, flame retardancy, thermal insulation and moisture management, hydrophobicity, and electrical conductivity. This paper aims to review the recent progress in the fabrication of ZnO-functionalized textiles, with an emphasis on understanding the specificity and mechanisms of ZnO action that impart individual properties to the textile fibers. The most common synthesis and application processes of ZnO to textile substrates are summarized. The influence of ZnO concentration, particle size and shape on ZnO functionality is presented. The importance of doping and coupling procedures to enhance ZnO performance is highlighted. The need to use binding and seeding agents to increase the durability of ZnO coatings is expressed. In addition to functional properties, the cytotoxicity of ZnO coatings is also discussed. Future directions in the use of ZnO for textile functionalization are identified as well.