In Situ Nanoassembly of Mg-Al Layered Double Hydroxide on Polyester Fabric Surface: Mechanism, Tunable Wettability, and Boosted Thermal Features

In this study, nanosheets of Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) were introduced on the polyester fabric surface through the conventional coprecipitation method with further hydrothermal treatment at various temperatures (80, 100, and 120 °C). The in situ growth mechanism of Mg-Al LDHs in the vertical direction in an alkaline synthesis bath along with polyester fabric hydrolysis was discussed. Different analyses including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, UV–visible, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the synthesized nanosheets. Furthermore, vertical wicking, static contact angle, tensile strength, air permeability, bending, and burning length of fabric samples were investigated. The results showed successful synthesis of Mg-Al LDH nanosheets on the fabric surface with tunable wettability and boosted thermal features. Interestingly, there is no adverse effect on the physicomechanical properties of treated fabric during the synthesis procedure.