Spraying Colloidal Nano TiO2 and Cross-linkable Polysiloxane onto Acrylic Carpet for Self-cleaning

In this study, self-cleaning properties are introduced to acrylic carpet through a simple method of spraying nano titanium dioxide (NTO) onto the carpet surface. A cross-linkable polysiloxane (PS) softener is also applied to enhance the washing durability, self-cleaning properties and handle softness. The self-cleaning properties of the acrylic carpet are investigated by using Solophenyl Red GBL as a synthetic dye and black mulberry as a natural dye to stain the carpet. The PS and NTO concentrations and the type of ultra violet (UV) irradiation are designed based on the statistical approach of a central composite design (CCD). UV irradiation is used under the form of daylight for 16 h, UV-A (400 W) for 1 h and UV-C (20 W) for 3 h. The photocatalytic decolorization values (ΔE*) of the treated carpet are measured and the optimized models are presented. The PS is capable of stabilizing the NTO particles on the surface of the acrylic carpet and helps to increase the washing durability. Also, the NTO particles can effectively photodegrade both the Solophenyl Red GBL and black mulberry dyes which act as the two coloring stains.