Textile and Apparel Science

Development of Multi-Layered Cellulosic Nanostructure to be Used in Chemical Protective Clothing for Agricultural Applications

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Abstract

Chemical protective clothing (CPC) is the last line of defense in chemical handling operations to safeguard the wearer from hazardous environments. However, due to the discomfort associated with the recommended CPC ensembles, agricultural pesticide handlers risk themselves to pesticide exposure by choosing typical woven work clothing over the recommended clothing. Therefore, this research aims at development of lightweight multi-layered nano-structured cellulosic fabrics suitable to provide comfort and maintain safety via hydrophilic/hydrophobic interaction. Cellulose acetate (CA) and Polylactic acid (PLA) nano-fibers were prepared via electrospinning on two different types of copper collector (foil and 30 mesh). Deacetylation of CA into regenerated cellulose (RC) was done with 0.1M NaOH in a 4:1 NaOH: EtOH solution. Multi-layer sandwich structures were created by sewing together the fabrics with PLA filament fibers. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer, Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and dynamic contact angle tester was used for characterization. RC and PLA fibers exhibited different surface morphology (size and roughness) under SEM depending on polymer and collector. Fibers collected on mesh collector exhibited higher contact angle due to increased roughness. In multilayer sandwiched structure (RC-PLA-RC), the assembly exhibited a very different wettability behavior. The wetting envelope, a graphical presentation of polar component against dispersive component of surface energy, exhibited a complete shift of the nature of wettability that might be attributed to the change in topography and microclimate within the assembly. Therefore, this study provides an important insight into the tunability of wetting behavior by creating multilayer structure.

Keywords: Regenerated cellulose, Contact angle, Wetting envelope

How to Cite:

Xiang, C. & Alam, M., (2019) “Development of Multi-Layered Cellulosic Nanostructure to be Used in Chemical Protective Clothing for Agricultural Applications”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 76(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8305