LAUSR

Abstract Nanostructured materials modified cotton cellulose could be a versatile and cost-effective solution for developing wide range of protective fabrics. In this background, cotton cellulose was surface modified with hydrated form of non-stoichiometric tungsten oxide (HyWO3-x) using microwave reduction technique for the development of UV radiation blocking and thermo-chromic fabrics. Herein, the surface modification and characterization of cotton cellulose having ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT) transition via reduction process with enhanced UV blocking features are presented. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the poly-crystalline and amorphous nature of unmodified and surface modified cotton fabrics. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the growth of nanostructured HyWO3-x on cotton cellulose and surface analysis showed the existence of tungsten, carbon, oxygen elements. Differential scanning calorimetry of treated fabric exhibited a change of exothermic behavior from endothermic at the characteristic onset temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed the least weight loss up to 600°C of the surface treated cotton cellulose. Further, Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of the modified fabric was measured using an in-vitro method following the AATCC 183:2004 standard employing UV transmittance analyzer. The UPF was estimated to be 2000, which is excellent for protective clothing applications according to UPF Standard for fabrics. Also, the ligand to metal charge transfer characteristics of WO3-x modified cotton cellulose revealed the selective transition towards microwave irradiation at different reduction power.