[nanoPost] Self-Cleaning Keratins for textiles

Research Centre Australia

The researchers prepared wool fabrics with and without a nanoparticle coating composed of anatase titanium dioxide, a substance that is known to destroy stains, dirt, and harmful microorganisms upon exposure to sunlight. The researchers then stained the fabric samples with red wine.

After 20 hours of exposure to simulated sunlight, the coated fabric showed almost no signs of the red stain, whereas the untreated fabric remained deeply stained. The coating, which is non-toxic, can be permanently bonded to the fiber and does not alter its texture and feel.