Multifunctional natural fibers: the potential of core shell MgOSiO2 nanoparticles

Abstract

Core--shell nanoparticles (NPs) based on metal oxides, namely magnesium oxide (MgO) and silica (SiO2), are a fantastic alternative for natural fibers' functionalization. In this work, flax fibers were functionalized with MgO and MgO--SiO2 core--shell NPs to achieve multifunctionality. The flax fabrics were functionalized with both NPs by a simple in-situ method. Parallelly, the synthesis of the isolated NPs was performed for comparison purposes. The developed samples were characterized, confirming the successful synthesis of the core--shell NPs and their incorporation onto the fabrics. The wash durability tests confirmed the beneficial effect of the SiO2 shell on the NPs' anchorage. Ultraviolet (UV) protection capability (UV protection factor (UPF) of 50\thinspace+) and hydrophobicity (water contact angle (WCA) of 123.0\textdegree) were achieved, together with antibacterial activity and the degradation of methylene blue (MB) capability. Overall, this work presents an innovative method for the synthesis of MgO--SiO2 core--shell NPs and their incorporation onto flax fabrics.