Investigation on nano-structural color for fabric printing applications

Abstract

In nature, colors are created either by pigments or by structural coloration, where light interacts with micro- or nanostructures to produce vivid hues seen in butterfly wings and peacock feathers [1],[2]. Structural colors can be iridescent, changing with viewing angle, or non-iridescent, remaining consistent regardless of angle [3],[4]. Due to their durability and brilliance, structural colors offer a sustainable alternative to traditional textile dyes, which consume large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals [5],[6]. However, applying structural coloration to textiles is challenging because fabric surfaces are flexible and porous, causing poor nanoparticle adhesion, uneven coatings, and reduced color intensity [7],[8]. Additionally, the effects of fabric characteristics like weave tightness and surface texture on structural color formation remain underexplored. This research addresses these limitations by developing a method for producing angle-dependent structural coloration on polyester satin fabric using silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles synthesized via a modified Stöber method. The approach facilitates the self-assembly of nanoparticles into photonic crystal-like structures that generate pigment-free colors. By precisely controlling synthesis parameters, silica nanoparticle sizes are tuned to produce a spectrum of non-iridescent structural colors. The resulting coated fabrics are analyzed for their morphological and optical properties to better understand the mechanisms of color formation.