Controlled Electrospraying of Sericin Nanoparticles for Enhancing the Functional Surface Properties of Polyester Fabrics
Lisha Zhu, Yue Zhu, Rongxing Li, Lei Liang, Yuxin Li, Juan P. Hinestroza, Wangyang Lü, Juming Yao, Wenbin Jiang
Abstract
Sericin, a hydrophilic and moisturizing natural protein, is typically discarded during silk degumming, leading to resource waste and environmental pollution. This study introduces a novel surface engineering strategy by applying electrospraying to deposit sericin nanoparticles onto polyester fabrics─marking the first use of this technique to functionalize synthetic textiles with natural biopolymers. This method enables precise control over nanoparticle size and uniform deposition, offering a sustainable and scalable approach for enhancing interfacial properties. Through Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken Design (BBD), we optimized key electrospraying parameters (polymer concentration, voltage, and needle size), achieving a minimum particle diameter of 36 nm. The sericin nanoparticle coating significantly improved the surface properties of polyester fabrics: reducing the water contact angle from 140° to 88°, shortening wetting time from 26 to 11 min, and increasing moisture regain from 0.21 to 0.91%. UV protection was also enhanced, with the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rising from 94.77 to 123.18. Importantly, the sericin coating demonstrated excellent wash durability, retaining over 85% of its UV-blocking performance after 20 cycles. This work advances surface and interface science by pioneering the use of electrospraying for biobased coatings on synthetic substrates, offering a precise, eco-friendly solution for sustainable sericin waste valorization while achieving durable and multifunctional surface modifications. Our findings contribute to the development of advanced interfacial materials and sustainable textile manufacturing.