Facile development of multifunctional photoluminescent linen fabrics for high performance textile applications

Abstract Linen fibers were coated with a luminous, flame-retardant, and hydrophobic smart nanocomposite utilizing the pad-dry-curing process. Ecologically-friendly ammonium polyphosphate and lanthanide-activated strontium aluminum oxide (LSAO) nanoparticles were immobilized into linen fabric using the eco-friendly RTV silicone rubber. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to examine the morphological characteristics and elemental compositions of LSAO nanoparticles and treated linen textiles. The self-extinguishing properties of the treated linen textiles were tested for their fire-resistance. After 24 washing cycles, the coated linen samples retained their flame-retardant properties. The treated linen's superhydrophobicity rose in direct proportion to the LSAO concentration. After being excited at 365 nm, the colorless luminescent film that was coated on linen surface gave out an emission wavelength of 519 nm. The photoluminescent linen was monitored to create a range of different colors, including off-white in daytime light and green under UV radiation, according to the CIE Lab colorimetric coordinates and photoluminescence spectra. Emission, excitation and lifetime spectral analysis of the treated linen revealed persistent phosphorescence. For mechanical and comfort evaluation, the coated linen textiles' bending length and air permeability were assessed. Excellent UV protection and enhanced antibacterial properties were found in the treated linens. Large-scale manufacturing of multipurpose technical fabrics, such as tents, might benefit from the current simple technique.