06/30/2022
By Kwok Fan Chow

The Kennedy College of Science, Department of Chemistry, invites you to attend a dissertation defense by Rashmi Sharma entitled “Multifunctional Fabrics using Surface Functionalization and Microencapsulation.” The defense will be held at Olney Hall, Rm. 518 on Wednesday, July 13 at 9 a.m.

Committee Chair:
Ramaswamy Nagarajan, Ph.D., Department of Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Committee Members:
1) Yuyu Sun, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
2) Jayant Kumar, Ph.D., Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Massachusetts Lowell
3) Nese Orbey, Ph.D., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
4) Ravi Mosurkal, Ph.D., Protection Materials Division, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, MA

Abstract:

The development of multifunctional fabrics is of interest for numerous civilian as well as defense applications. However, most approaches reported currently for surface treatments render the fabric stiff or non-breathable. This doctoral thesis seeks to explore new methods for incorporating multiple functionalities onto fabrics using sustainable starting materials. The functionalities explored in this research are flame retardancy and near-infrared (NIR) reflectivity for 50/50 nylon cotton blend (Nyco) fabric. Microencapsulation is explored for the incorporation of phosphorous-based flame retardants (FR) like melamine polyphosphate, triphenyl phosphate, and aluminum diethyl phosphinate onto fabrics. The thermal stability and heat release characteristics of the fabrics treated with the microcapsules were evaluated. The flame retardant coating on Nyco fabrics were combined with an insect repellent coating to yield a multifunctional fabric.
Naturally occurring chlorophyll dye has near-IR reflection characteristics very similar to vegetation and can be an excellent ingredient for managing near-IR reflection. Sodium copper chlorophyllin, a derivative of chlorophyll was covalently functionalized onto the surface of cotton/Nyco fabric using appropriate crosslinking methods. The spectral characteristics of the dyed fabric were evaluated and compared to the reflectance values from standard military Nyco fabric. This research opens new possibilities that allows use of safer, low cost and durable fabric coatings to achieve multifunctionality.

All interested students and faculty members are invited to attend.