Multifunctional properties of sonochemically in-situ synthesized and incorporated ZnO/ZnO–SiO₂ nanomaterials in cotton fabric

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc oxide-silicon dioxide (ZnO-SiO₂) nanomaterials were successfully incorporated into cotton fabric yarn using a single step sonochemical method in aqueous medium. The resulting cotton fabrics were evaluated for the ultraviolet (UV) blocking properties using ultraviolet-diffused reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), wetting studies measured by contact angle, and flammability test by vertical flame test (VFT) method. The hydrodynamic diameter of the incorporated nanomaterials was in the range of 30–600 nm. 1, 2, 3, 4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) was used as a cross-linking agent between the free -OH groups of the cotton fabric yarns. The results of ZnO-SiO₂ incorporated cotton fabric exhibited 8.8% enhancement in UV-B blocking, wettability of 124.5° and flame time of 9 ± 1 s as compared to control cotton fabric. The UV blocking by ZnO-SiO₂ incorporated cotton fabric was retained even after 10 washing cycles. The study highlights a single step method for the  simultaneous in-situ synthesis and incorporation nanomaterials in cotton fabrics sonochemically as an  alternative method for enhanced multifunctionality.