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Eco-Friendly Octylsilane-Modified Amino-Functional Silicone Coatings for a Durable Hybrid Organic-Inorganic
Mariam Hadhri1, Claudio Colleoni2, Agnese D'Agostino1
1Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Bergamo, 24044 Dalmine, BG, Italy.
Polymers
|June 13, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel, eco-friendly hybrid organic-inorganic treatment for durable, fluorine-free water repellency on textiles. The sustainable sol-gel process offers a high-performance alternative to legacy PFAS chemistries for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Textile Chemistry
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- The phase-out of long-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) necessitates alternatives for durable water-repellent textile finishes.
- Existing fluorine-free options often lack the performance and durability of legacy PFAS treatments.
- Environmental regulations drive the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly textile finishing solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the performance of a novel hybrid organic-inorganic treatment for water repellency on cotton and polyester textiles.
- To evaluate the durability, handle, and breathability of the developed fluorine-free finish.
- To assess the potential of this sustainable sol-gel process as a viable alternative to PFAS-based finishes.
Main Methods:
- A hybrid organic-inorganic treatment was synthesized via in situ hydrolysis-condensation of triethoxy(octyl)silane (OS) in an amino-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (APT-PDMS) aqueous dispersion.
- The treatment was applied to cotton and polyester fabrics using a pad-dry-cure process.
- Characterization involved SEM-EDS, ATR-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, spray tests (ISO 4920), water/alcohol repellence tests (AATCC 193), wash durability tests (ISO 105-C10), and assessments of water-vapor transmission rate and bending stiffness.
Main Results:
- The silica/PDMS coating formed a uniform, nanostructured layer with strong adhesion, achieving static contact angles of 130° on cotton and 145° on polyester.
- Treated fabrics maintained a spray rating of 5/5 and AATCC 193 grade 7 after five wash cycles, outperforming or matching a commercial fluorinated finish.
- The finish caused minimal impact on fabric breathability (≤5% loss in water-vapor permeability) and only a slight increase in stiffness.
Conclusions:
- The one-step, water-borne sol-gel process provides a sustainable and scalable route to high-performance, durable water-repellent finishes.
- This hybrid silica/PDMS coating is a promising fluorine-free alternative to PFAS for technical textiles and outdoor apparel.
- The developed finish meets performance demands while offering significant environmental benefits over traditional chemistries.
