Reduction Modification of Macromolecules in Wool Fabric for Improving the Adhesion with UV-Curable MXene/PUA Conductive Coating

• Published in: Fibers and polymers Vol. 25; no. 9; pp. 3369 - 3377
• Main Authors: Yao, Jiale, Xu, Jiang, Cui, Ao, Wang, Rui, Hao, Longyun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Seoul The Korean Fiber Society 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Polymer Sciences; Regular Article; Modification; Conductive coating; Adhesion; Wool fabric; UV-curable
• ISSN: 1229-9197; 1875-0052
• DOI: 10.1007/s12221-024-00667-5

In this study, the molecules in wool fabric were modified to convert their disulfide bonds into sulfhydryl groups (–SH) by using tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP) as a reducing agent. The XPS, SEM, and UV–visible absorption spectrum were utilized to track the modification process. MXene and UV-curable PUA resin were blended and printed on the modified wool substrates by screen printing way, followed by a sustainable UV irradiation to effectively fix the printed coating on them. The effects of TCEP on the wettability, electrical resistance of conductive coatings were investigated. Especially, the durability of the conductive coatings to mechanical operations, wet and temperature treatment were systematically evaluated by measuring the resistance change rate on unmodified and TCEP modified wool fabrics, respectively. The results indicated that TCEP modification of wool fabrics could significantly improve the durability and stability of conductive coatings. This was because the active –SH groups in modified wool could participate in the polymerization of PUA molecules into a film under the excitation of UV photo-initiators, greatly improving the integrity and toughness of its structure and ultimately resulting in better adhesion between conductive coatings and wool fabrics.