Evaluation of repellency and cleanability properties of the multifunctional protective textiles treated with nanosol-based finishings

Rescue team workers in extreme weather conditions, in wildland fires and in first aid medical tasks confront various hazards in varying ambient conditions. Multifunctional properties in protective garments are needed such as waterproofness, mechanical durability, extended service life and self-cleaning. Flood waters may contain various contaminant agents like household chemicals, sewage, microbes and petroleum products. First aid workers are exposed to a wide variety of soils and liquids like blood, disinfectant agents, mud and oil based stains. Barrier properties of the materials prevent the liquid and particle penetration while the repellency and antimicrobial properties prevent the surface wetting and soiling and ease up cleaning thus extending the service life of the protective garment.
In SAFEPROTEX project the aim was to develop protective garments for rescue team workers imparting protection against multiple hazards with enhanced mechanical parameters and maintaining physiological comfort. Hydrofobic, self-cleaning and antimicrobial properties were achieved by applying alkoxysilane nanosol based finishing on selected fabric substrates for the protective prototypes. The repellency, self-cleaning and soil removal properties were tested using standard test method for spray test, roll-off angle test and an inhouse test for staining and cleanability receiving good and satisfactory results.
This paper presents the staining and cleanability test method using the end user specific staining agents and discusses the results.