CNC/ZnO-Modified PET Fabrics via Surface Dissolution for UV-Blocking and Radiative Cooling

Abstract Developing multifunctional synthetic textiles via inorganic nanoparticle modification has long presented a formidable challenge due to particle agglomeration and matrix incompatibility. This study utilized a surface dissolution strategy to immobilize flower-shaped CNC/ZnO onto PET yarns. This method reduced particle aggregation and promoted the distribution of CNC/ZnO on PET yarns. Morphological observations confirmed that the flower-shaped ZnO architectures provided abundant scattering interfaces. The CNC/ZnO-PET fabric simultaneously achieved enhanced solar reflectance and high mid-infrared emissivity within the 8–13 μm atmospheric window. Outdoor thermal measurements demonstrated that the CNC/ZnO-PET fabric exhibited an improved cooling response, maintaining an internal temperature 2.5 °C lower than that of original PET under direct sunlight. The maximum temperature difference between the original PET and CNC/ZnO-PET fabrics reached 7.7 °C. In addition, the modified fabric exhibited a UPF of 134.4 and showed antibacterial rates of 99.90% against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. After 10 washing cycles, the fabric retained good solar reflectance, UV protection, and antibacterial performance. These results demonstrate the potential of surface dissolution for preparing multifunctional PET textiles with UV protection, radiative cooling, and antibacterial properties, particularly for outdoor shading applications.