The Modification of Cotton Fabric by Silane Coupling Agent for Improving the Durability of UV Curing Ag@rGO Coating

In this paper, a silane coupling agent KH580 was accustomed to modify cotton fabric to introduce active sulfhydryl groups on its surface. Subsequently, a UV curable ink containing Ag@rGO composite was prepared and applied on the modified cotton through a screen printing method. Using UV curing approach, the conductive ink was firmly fixed to form durable coating. The effect of KH580 on the properties of cotton fabric was studied by means of FTIR, XPS and WCA analysis. The results showed that the cotton fabric was successfully modified by KH580. Then, the influence of KH580 on the performance of coatings was analyzed by testing the resistance change. It could be found that the modification of KH580 at low dosage had little effect on the resistance of conductive coating. The modification of KH580 could obviously improve the mechanical and durability of conductive coatings on cotton because the thiol groups in modified cotton could take part in the film forming reaction of PUA to increase the structural integrity and toughness of the film, making the adhesion between conductive coatings and fabric surface stronger and more lasting for resisting external erosions.