Preparation of Photochromic and Photoluminescent Nonwoven Fibrous Mat from Recycled Polyester Waste

Abstract Photochromic and photoluminescent clothes can be described as smart textiles that alter their color emission spectra upon exposure to a light stimulus. Recycled nonwoven polyester fabrics screen-printed with rare-earth strontium aluminate nanoparticles were developed introduce photochromic properties. Both spinning preparation of fibrous mat was performed industrially starting from recycled waste. Aqueous-based phosphor-binder nanocomposites containing different concentrations inorganic phosphor excellent thermal photostability applied directly onto fabrics. The screen-printing process produced uniform film the surface showed strong green (440 nm) under UV even at lower (0.5 wt%) in printing paste. excitation wavelength printed samples monitored 382 nm. Long-persistent greenish-yellow phosphorescence detected dark higher concentrations. morphological microscopic data collected using various analytical methods. TEM analysis designated diameters 4–11 nm, whereas XRD indicated crystal size 9 cloth exhibited quick reversible when exposed ultraviolet light. protection, antimicrobial superhydrophobic properties improved increasing pigment concentration static contact slide angles ranges 108.6°–132.6°, 12°–7°, respectively. effects paste on comfort features colorfastness examined.