Robust UV-cured superhydrophobic cotton fabric surfaces with self-healing ability

Publication date: 15 February 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 116
Author(s): Siyu Qiang, Kunlin Chen, Yunjie Yin, Chaoxia Wang
For extending the lifespan of practical applications, a robust and self-healing superhydrophobic cotton fabric was successfully fabricated by facile dip coating and UV curing. The low surface energy and micro/nanoapophysis of superhydrophobic fabric were contributed by dip-coating components consisting of tri-functionality vinyl perfluoro decanol, vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane and octavinyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane. These obtained cotton fabrics exhibited superior resistance to various liquid pollutants, and had excellent resistance to the acid and alkali liquid. Furthermore, they were durable to withstand 10,000cycles of abrasion, 120h of accelerated weathering test and heating or freezing test. Most importantly, after 200cycles of severe abrasion, they were able to restore the superhydrophobicity by brief heating treatment and showed excellent self-healing ability. These designed cotton fabric may contribute to the development of durable superhydrophobic textiles.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2hbFRn6