Bentonite Nanoclay Assisted Hydrophilic Nylon Fabrics
Sujani B. Y. Abeywardena
Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (Pvt) Ltd, Nanotechnology and Science Park, Sri Lanka
Srimala Perera *
Division of Polymer, Textile and Chemical Engineering Technology, Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
K. M. Nalin de Silva
Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (Pvt) Ltd, Nanotechnology and Science Park, Sri Lanka and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
S. Walpalage
Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
M. C. W. Somaratne
Division of Polymer, Textile and Chemical Engineering Technology, Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Biomimetic surface modifications have gained significant attention in fabric innovations. In this study, elephant mud bathing was mimicked to create a superior hydrophilic nylon fabric.
Place and Duration of Study: Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology and The University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, June 2017- March 2018.
Methodology: Bentonite nanoclay (BNC) grafted on nylon using silane as a coupling agent. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the successful grafting of nanoclay on nylon while textile protocols proved the wettability.
Results: Infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis confirmed the presence of organic chains and Si groups in bentonite nanoclay modified nylon fabrics. The accomplishment of the surface modification was quantitatively proved by thermogravimetric analysis. SEM images clearly show a thin layer of clay on nylon fibres after being treated with bentonite nanoclay. BNC coated nylon show superior wettability and dryability.
Conclusion: It is expected that this bio-inspired wettable nylon fabric may break the barrier of using nylon in various hydrophilic textile applications.
Keywords: Bentonite nanoclay, biomimetic, surface modifications, nylon