Russia develops self-cleaning fabric technology

Scientific staff at the Federal Research Centre "Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS" and Novosibirsk State University are working on creating special compounds that will make cotton fabric and synthetic coatings self-cleaning. This is reported by the official publication of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS).

The innovative mixture includes titanium dioxide and nitrogen. The most important component of the self-cleaning process is sunlight or light with a specific wavelength (around 450 nanometres). Titanium dioxide absorbs light in the ultraviolet region, while nitrogen promotes the process of pollutant degradation under the action of visible light.

According to the scientists' concept, the new compound with a photocatalyst can be applied to cotton-polyester fabrics, as well as oilcloth and plastic coatings. The material can retain its self-cleaning properties for over two years and after several washes. Furthermore, the fabric with the applied compound is harmless to humans: titanium dioxide is considered to have low cytotoxicity and to be biocompatible with skin.

The possibility of applying the compound to metals and wood is also being developed.

It is reported that the self-cleaning process extends to chemical pollutants, such as acetone, various viruses, nucleic acids, fungi, and different types of bacteria. Self-cleaning fabric could be in demand in scientific laboratories and medical institutions. This would reduce the likelihood of biological pollutant transmission to humans and lessen the impact of toxic chemicals on the body.

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