Design and characterization of based chitosan sol-gel films for textile substrates: Traditional and 3D printing processes approach

This research aimed to develop an innovative textile finish using chitosan sol-gel coatings to imbue fabrics with selfcleaning properties, ultraviolet (UV) protection , wear resistance, and oil repellency. Chitosan, a bioactive polymer renowned for its antibacterial activity, non-toxicity, ease of modification, and biodegradability, serves as a promising candidate for multifunctional coatings, as evidenced by extensive scientific literature. Within the context of environmental sustainability, chitosan-based organic-inorganic hybrid coatings offer significant potential for the creation of advanced protective layers. In this investigation, organic-inorganic hybrid coatings were synthesized using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the inorganic silica network precursor and chitosan as the organic component. To optimize adhesive strength and water resistance, two different coupling agents, vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) and 3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane(GLYMO), were employed and compared. Various formulation of sol-gel hybrids loaded with different amounts of chitosan were prepared and applied onto different textile substrates (cotton and synthetic filter fabrics) by airbrushing technique. Furthermore, recognizing the remarkable versatility demonstrated by the inkjet printing process, we optimized the sol-gel solution composition for digital injection techniques. Our findings inequivocally demonstrate that chitosan concentration and the type of coupling agent wield significant influence over jetting stability. Moreover, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the effect of film composition on several properties through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for microstructure examination, water contact angle measurements for surface wettability assessment, hydrolitic degradation tests, and mechanical characterization. These investigations shed light on the intricate interplay between film composition and material properties, providing valuable insights for the development of advanced textile finishes