Multifunctional silk fabric via surface modification of nano-SiO2

Silk fabrics have poor resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light and to wrinkles. To improve these properties, we propose a finishing method of coating the silk fabric surface with nano-silica (nano-SiO2). The results show that the UV protective factor (UPF) value could reach a maximum of 84.52 after finishing in 10 g/L nano-SiO2 and 20 g/L silane coupling agent (KH570) solution at 80℃. Moreover, the treated silk fabrics showed improved wrinkle resistance and hydrophobicity. The surface morphology and crosslink action of the treated silk fabrics were characterized by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which proved that nano-SiO2 particles were grafted on to the silk fabric. There was no apparent difference in color between untreated and treated silk fabrics. Thermal stability and cytotoxicity tests showed that the treated silk fabrics had good thermostability and cytocompatibility. The UPF value could be maintained at 77.31 after washing 20 times, which demonstrated that the treated silk fabrics had laundry resistance. Multifunctional silk fabrics with good hydrophobic properties and excellent UV and wrinkle resistance were developed, showing good prospects for their application in self-cleaning, protective and non-ironing clothes.