Comparative Performance of Synthesised Silica Nanoparticles for Enhanced Hydrophilic Properties on Cotton

Abstract

Chemicals in nano-form are free from aggregates and low concentration effective. The nanoparticles of certain chemicals have been found to be of substantial importance for application in textiles as well as allied fields. Nano-silica is one of such nanoparticles possessing enormous potential for multi-functional application on cotton. However, the cost of nanoparticles is remarkably high, thus limiting their commercial applications. This study discusses the manufacture of silica nanoparticles in a laboratory, their characterisation, succeeded by their application on cotton. The performance was compared with those obtained with tailormade silica nanoparticles from manufacturers. It was found that laboratory-made silica nanoparticles are relatively capable of developing a parallel finishing effect on cotton compared to those obtained with tailormade silica nanoparticles.

Keywords

• tetraethyl orthosilicate
• nano-silica
• absorbency
• tensile strength