In this study, the effect of using folic acid on the in situ synthesis process of nanostructures has been investigated. Folic acid, as a biotemplate for synthesis of Cu2 O/ZnO, was used to improve the reducing and stabilizing the ability of cotton fabric and avoid agglomeration of the particles. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that using folic acid caused the formation of particles with smaller sizes on the cotton fabric and X-ray diffraction confirmed the same crystalline pattern of nanoparticles in comparison with the previous synthesis process. The effect of using this biotemplate on different properties of treated fabrics including UV-protection effect, hydrophilicity, crease recovery angle, softness, thickness and mechanical properties has been evaluated. The folic acid had a great influence on UV-protection effect, in synthesis procedure, decreasing the droplet absorption time, bending length and improving the wrinkle resistance and mechanical properties. Interestingly, the higher tensile strength of the treated cotton fabrics proved the incorporation of nanoparticles into the cotton fibers. An in situ, green and rapid method can be provided by using folic acid for the synthesis of the nanostructures with controlled size.
© 2015 The American Society of Photobiology.