Abstract
In this paper, treated Saudi cotton fabrics were prepared by dipping them in chitosan and chitosan/ZnO-NPs solutions of four different concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt% ZnO-NPs). The chemical compositions, optical properties, mechanical characteristics, and air permeability of the prepared fabrics after immersion were investigated. The tristimulus values of the CIE, color parameters, extinction coefficient, and color strength were evaluated using reflectance spectra recorded in the visible region. Untreated fabric and treated cotton fabrics (CF/Ch/ZnO-NPs) were assessed with regard to washability, acidic perspiration, and alkaline perspiration. Differences in the ratio of distinct bands can be seen in the FTIR spectroscopy data, indicating that the intensity of the O-H band is decreasing. Differences in the ratio of the distinct bands can be seen in the FTIR spectroscopy data, indicating that the O-H band's intensity is decreasing. The photon energy dependence of the absorption coefficient revealed that optical transmission is allowed and direct. The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) was determined using color strength analysis, and the results showed that the treated cotton fabrics provide good-to-very good UV protection. The fabrics were also very durable when it came to multiple washes. The mechanical characteristics and air permeability data show a relationship between the presence of chitosan and the quantities of ZnO-NPs, as well as interactions between them and the fabric network. This is the first study to try and improve the characteristics of Saudi cotton fabrics, so that they can be used in a variety of industrial and medicinal applications.