Imparting Multi-Functional Properties to Polyester Fabric Using g-C₃N₄ or ZnO/g-C₃N₄

Multifunctional polyester fabric was developed using graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and ZnO semiconductors and its self-cleaning properties were studied by varying the weight ratio of semiconductors and dye concentration. The fabrics were treated using two distinct methods pad-dry-cure and exhaustion. Fabric self-cleaning activity was assessed by monitoring the degradation of methylene blue stains under natural sunlight, quantified through changes in ΔRGB values. The coated samples were also evaluated for air permeability, wettability, flammability, bending length, and antibacterial properties. The study found that polyester fabrics treated with g-C₃N₄ via the pad-dry-cure method exhibited significantly higher self-cleaning activity (ΔRGB = 120.3) than those treated by the exhaustion method (ΔRGB = 68.8). Furthermore, fabrics coated with a ZnO/g-C₃N₄ hybrid demonstrated superior self-cleaning performance to those treated with either g-C₃N₄ or ZnO alone. Antibacterial results indicated the effectiveness of treated samples through the pad-dry-cure method for 100% antibacterial activity. However, samples treated with exhaustion showed higher air permeability, water absorption, and flexibility.