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Cotton fabrics with single-faced superhydrophobicity
Yuyang Liu1, J H Xin, Chang-Hwan Choi
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, United States.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|November 29, 2012
Summary
This study developed single-faced superhydrophobic cotton fabrics using a foam finishing process. These fabrics offer water repellency on one side and water absorption on the other, enabling unique applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Textile Engineering
Background:
- Superhydrophobic materials typically exhibit uniform wettability.
- Cotton fabrics are inherently hydrophilic, limiting their use in water management applications.
- Developing fabrics with controlled, asymmetric wettability is crucial for advanced functionalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate cotton fabrics with single-faced superhydrophobicity.
- To investigate the asymmetric wettability and its impact on fabric properties.
- To explore potential applications of these novel fabrics.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of cotton fabrics using a simple foam finishing process.
- Application of a hydrophobic fluoropolymer with chemical cross-linking.
- Characterization of surface wettability, including contact angle hysteresis.
- Assessment of water absorption capacity and moisture transmissibility.
- Evaluation of washing fastness.
Main Results:
- Successfully created cotton fabrics with superhydrophobic (water-repellent) and hydrophilic (water-absorbing) faces.
- Achieved low contact angle hysteresis (151°/144°) on the superhydrophobic face, enabling easy water droplet roll-off and self-cleaning.
- Retained significant water-absorbing capacity (44% of original) on the hydrophilic face.
- Maintained moisture transmissibility comparable to untreated cotton.
- Demonstrated robust washing fastness due to chemical cross-linking.
Conclusions:
- The developed single-faced superhydrophobic cotton fabrics exhibit unique asymmetric wettability.
- These fabrics offer a combination of water repellency, water absorption, and moisture management.
- The robust nature and versatile properties position these fabrics for diverse applications, including liquid transport and water/oil separation.
