Abstract: UV-resistance cotton fabric was prepared by microwave-assisted in situ synthesis of zinc phosphate using cheap Zn(NO3)2 and NaH2PO4. The source of zinc and phosphate and drying temperature were first discussed. The structure of Zn3(PO4)2 was characterized by XRD. The results showed that the drying temperature only changed the number of crystal water instead of the structure of Zn3(PO4)2. The effect of concentration of Zn(NO3)2 and NaH2PO4, microwave heating temperature and time, curing temperature and time on the UV-resistance properties and whiteness value of cotton fabric was investigated. It showed that the UV-resistance capabilities increased with the increase of the content of zinc phosphate. The UPF value also increased with the increase of the curing temperature and time. The surface morphology of treated cotton fiber was investigated by SEM.

Key words: nano zine phosphate, microwave-assisted in-situ synthesis, UV-resistance finishing, cotton fabric