Multi-functional finishing of cotton fabrics by water-based layer-by-layer assembly of metal–organic framework

A multi-functional cotton fabric with UV resistance, antibacterial and superhydrophobic properties was achieved by immobilizing metal–organic framework ZnBDC on the fabric surface using zinc(II) acetate and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid as raw materials. The immobilization of ZnBDC was performed via water-based layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition based on the concept of self-assemble. The ZnBDC on cotton surface was characterized by XRD, ATR-FTIR, SEM, UV–Vis spectra, TG and adsorption of Rhodamine B. The results indicated the ZnBDC was formed as a partially hydrolyzed phase of MOF-5 on the fabric surface during the LbL deposition. The porous structure of ZnBDC was kept after the deposition. The effect of deposition cycle, deposition temperature and time on the deposition of ZnBDC has been studied. The results showed that the ZnBDC deposited cotton fabric had an excellent anti-UV properties with UPF 50 +, T(UV-A) and T(UV-B)   150°.