Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Textile Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, P.O. Box: 84156-83111, Isfahan, Iran
2
Department of Textile Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran
3
Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156–83111, Iran
Abstract
Hypothesis: The development of smart and multifunctional textiles with various thermal, mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic-absorbing, and antibacterial properties has attracted significant attention from researchers. Materials that impart such functionalities include metallic nanoparticles and metal oxides, conductive polymers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and MXenes. Despite introducing multiple advanced properties, MXene coatings preserve the inherent characteristics of smart fabrics. The main focus of this study is to investigate the antibacterial and electrothermal properties of MXene-coated cellulosic fabrics, as well as to examine how this coating influences the fabric’s intrinsic features, such as breathability.
Methods: In this study, Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene was synthesized from the MAX-phase precursor Ti₃AlC₂ using a fluoride-containing salt etching method. Subsequently, an aqueous MXene suspension with a concentration of 7 mg/mL was coated onto the surface of a polymeric fabric pretreated with sodium hydroxide. The electrothermal performance, antibacterial activity, and air permeability of the resulting material were then evaluated.
Findings:
The MXene-coated smart cellulosic textile exhibited electrothermal performance (80 °C at 6 V) and inherent antibacterial activity of 77.53 ± 2.21% against E. coli and 66.84 ± 1.74% against S. aureus without the addition of any extra antimicrobial agents. The air-permeability results for the multifunctional coated textile (27.97 ± 2.84 cm/s) compared to the raw fabric (38.61 ± 0.35 cm/s) demonstrated acceptable breathability. Due to the alkali treatment of the cellulosic fabric, MXene uptake during the dip-coating process increased, resulting in a uniform and effective coating. Moreover, MXene nanosheets contain abundant functional groups, enabling strong attachment to the modified cellulose surface through hydrogen bonding. This MXene-based smart textile, while maintaining the intrinsic properties of the fabric, shows strong potential for applications such as de-icing, electrothermal heating, and protective warming garments.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)