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Synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles: application to textiles as UV-absorbers

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Abstract

We report the synthesis and characterization of nanosized zinc oxide particles and their application on cotton and wool fabrics for UV shielding. The nanoparticles were produced in different conditions of temperature (90 or 150 °C) and reacting medium (water or 1,2-ethanediol). A high temperature was necessary to obtain small monodispersed particles. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) were used to characterize the nanoparticles composition, their shape, size and crystallinity. The specific surface area of the dry powders was also determined. ZnO nanoparticles were then applied to cotton and wool samples to impart sunscreen activity to the treated textiles. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed through UV–Vis spectrophotometry and the calculation of the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). Physical tests (tensile strength and elongation) were performed on the fabrics before and after the treatment with ZnO nanoparticles.

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Acknowledgments

The authors greatly acknowledge partial financial support from CSGI (Florence, Italy) and MIUR (PRIN-2003, Rome, Italy).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry and CSGI, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy

    Alessio Becheri, Maximilian Dürr, Pierandrea Lo Nostro & Piero Baglioni

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  1. Alessio Becheri
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  2. Maximilian Dürr
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  3. Pierandrea Lo Nostro
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  4. Piero Baglioni
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Correspondence to Pierandrea Lo Nostro.

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Becheri, A., Dürr, M., Lo Nostro, P. et al. Synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles: application to textiles as UV-absorbers. J Nanopart Res 10, 679–689 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-007-9318-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-007-9318-3

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