Denim Fabric with Flame retardant, hydrophilic and self-cleaning properties conferring by in-situ synthesis of silica nanoparticles

In this study, Stober method was utilized to synthesize silica NPs on the denim fabric via sodium silicate solution under alkali solution applying Keliab (Seidlitzia rosmarinus), as a natural alkali source, at pH  12 and also ethanol/Keliab. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) analysis verified the formation of silica NPs on the denim fabric. Further, self-cleaning features, air permeability, hydrophilicity, flame retardant, shrinkage, bending rigidity and tensile strength of the fabrics were studied. The final denim fabric indicated boosted features along with novel properties such as higher heat resistance, strength, water absorption rate, air permeability, and self-cleaning properties. These traits are making the fabric appropriate for application in diverse environmental conditions due to the silica NPs.