Abstract:

A novel antibacterial and mildew resistant agent (ABMR) was prepared through compounding nano TiO2 and chitosan and then applied on the surface of the cotton fabric. The fungus resistance of the treated fabric was investigated under daylight. The experimental results revealed that the agent compounded from chitosan and nano-TiO2 has synergistic effect, greatly enhancing its inactivity ratio against fungus. The cotton fabric with a loading amount of 1.5% of ABMR displayed excellent anti-fungus activities. Its inactivity ratio against Aspergillus niger reached 99.99% after 12 h. In the case of repeated use, its inactivity ratio kept over 99.5% after 24 h. Inactivity ratio against fungus of the treated fabric still reached 99.99% after 15 laundry cycles when tested after 24 h. In addition, the agent has little effect on the strength of the treated cotton fabrics and their wearing characteristics such as color and pH were conformed to the national anti-fungus textile standard.