Effect of in situ deposition of calcium carbonate in cotton fiber on its mechanical properties

Abstract In this study, in order to improve mechanical properties of cotton fabrics, nano‐micro sized calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) was deposited in situ on cotton fabrics. The mechanical properties, surface morphology, crystalline index, infrared spectrum, thermal property, and wettability of the deposited fabrics were measured and discussed. The results showed that the breaking strength of cotton fabric increased by about 10% after in situ deposition of nano‐micro calcium carbonate. After ultrasonic washing, the strength of cotton fabric deposited CaCO 3 was still increased by about 10%. The crystallinity of the cotton fabric deposited with calcium carbonate increased from 76% to 84%. The hydrogen bond between cellulose molecules and calcium carbonate was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. The hydrophilicity and thermal properties of cotton fabric were not significantly influenced by calcium carbonate deposition. This provides a new idea for improving the mechanical properties of cotton fabric.