Mechanically Robust and Flame-Retardant Superhydrophobic Textiles with Anti-Biofouling Performance.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Bio-fluid adhesion to surfaces facilitates disease transmission.
• Superhydrophobic textiles offer potential for reducing bio-fluid adhesion but face challenges with dried remnants and durability.
• Polymer textiles pose fire and heat risks, causing severe burns and losses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a superhydrophobic textile with enhanced resistance to bio-fluid and dry blood adhesion.
• To improve the mechanical robustness and durability of superhydrophobic textiles.
• To impart fire and heat resistance to textiles for increased safety.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid coating of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was applied to create a superhydrophobic textile.
• Adhesion properties were tested using bio-fluids and dried blood, measuring peeling force.
• Mechanical robustness was assessed through sandpaper abrasion tests.
• Thermal stability and flame retardancy were evaluated at high temperatures.

Main Results:

• The TiO2/PDMS coated textile demonstrated significantly lower adhesion to dried blood (20 times less peeling force than hydrophilic textile).
• The superhydrophobicity and microstructures of the textile remained intact after severe sandpaper abrasion.
• The coated textile exhibited excellent heat resistance up to 350 °C and flame-retardant properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed superhydrophobic textile effectively reduces adhesion of both bio-fluids and dried blood.
• The TiO2/PDMS coating provides robust superhydrophobicity and enhanced mechanical durability.
• The textile's heat and flame resistance offer improved safety, mitigating fire hazards and burn injuries.