Abstract
The paper presents experimental data regarding organic modified silica hybrids having embedded a non-ionic dye – Disperse Red 1, deposited on cotton fabrics. Hybrids were prepared by sol-gel processes using tetraethoxysilane and various trialkoxysilanes as organic network modifying agents, in acid catalysis and in the presence of Disperse Red 1. Control of the interactions between the organic non-ionic dyestuff and its embedding matrices allows tailoring the performance of the resulted coatings. Light and wash fastness and thermo-mechanical properties of the coated fabrics were investigated and correlated to the composition and morphology of the organic-inorganic coating materials. The results show that chemical composition of the impregnating bath have a decisive role in determining shade, intensity, fastness to light or washing of the coloured hybrid coatings as well as thermo-mechanical and hydrophobic properties of the coated textile fabrics. Keywords: silica hybrids, non-ionic dye, cotton fabrics, contact angle, thermal stability