BJ-07 Development of TiO₂ -Functionalized Hemp Cotton Blended Fabric with Enhanced Water Repellency

Abstract

The growing emphasis on sustainable textile development has driven extensive research into functional materials that enhance durability and performance. In this study, TiO₂ nanoparticles were incorporated into 70/30 and 30/70 hemp–cotton blended fabrics using the pad–dry–cure method to improve hydrophobicity. The coated fabrics were evaluated through Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and contact angle measurement. FTIR spectra confirmed the successful deposition of TiO₂ nanoparticles, as evidenced by characteristic Ti–O and O–Ti–O vibration bands at 463–650 cm⁻¹ and the appearance of additional hydroxyl groups on the fabric surface. The contact angle measurement revealed a significant increase from 71° for the untreated sample to 135° for the TiO₂-coated fabric, indicating nearly superhydrophobic behavior. These findings demonstrate that TiO₂ coating is an effective and environmentally compatible approach to enhance the functional properties of natural fiber-based textiles.