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A simple, one step approach to durable and robust superhydrophobic textiles


Zimmermann, J; Reifler, F A; Fortunato, G; Gerhardt, L C; Seeger, S (2008). A simple, one step approach to durable and robust superhydrophobic textiles. Advanced Functional Materials, 18(22):3662-3669.

Abstract

Superhydrophobic textile fabrics are prepared by a simple, one-step gas phase coating procedure by which a layer of polymethylsilsesquioxane nanofilaments is grown onto the individual textile fibers. A total of 11 textile fabrics made from natural and man made fibers are successfully coated and their superhydrophobic properties evaluated by the water shedding angle technique. A thorough investigation of the commercially relevant poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabric reveals an unparalleled long-term water resistance and stability of the superhydrophobic effect. Because of the special surface geometry generated by the nanoscopic, fibrous coating on the microscopic, fibrous textiles, the coated fabric remains completely dry even after two months of full immersion in water and stays superhydrophobic even after continuous rubbing with a skin simulating friction partner under significant load. Furthermore, important textile parameters such as tensile strength, color, and haptics are unaffected by the silicone nanofilament coating. For the first time, an in-depth characterization of the wetting properties, beyond simple contact angle measurements, as well as a thorough evaluation of the most important textile parameters is performed on a superhydrophobic fabric, which reveals a true potential for application.

Abstract

Superhydrophobic textile fabrics are prepared by a simple, one-step gas phase coating procedure by which a layer of polymethylsilsesquioxane nanofilaments is grown onto the individual textile fibers. A total of 11 textile fabrics made from natural and man made fibers are successfully coated and their superhydrophobic properties evaluated by the water shedding angle technique. A thorough investigation of the commercially relevant poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabric reveals an unparalleled long-term water resistance and stability of the superhydrophobic effect. Because of the special surface geometry generated by the nanoscopic, fibrous coating on the microscopic, fibrous textiles, the coated fabric remains completely dry even after two months of full immersion in water and stays superhydrophobic even after continuous rubbing with a skin simulating friction partner under significant load. Furthermore, important textile parameters such as tensile strength, color, and haptics are unaffected by the silicone nanofilament coating. For the first time, an in-depth characterization of the wetting properties, beyond simple contact angle measurements, as well as a thorough evaluation of the most important textile parameters is performed on a superhydrophobic fabric, which reveals a true potential for application.

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Additional indexing

Item Type:Journal Article, refereed, original work
Communities & Collections:07 Faculty of Science > Department of Chemistry
Dewey Decimal Classification:540 Chemistry
Scopus Subject Areas:Physical Sciences > General Chemistry
Physical Sciences > General Materials Science
Physical Sciences > Condensed Matter Physics
Uncontrolled Keywords:Electrochemistry, Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials, General Chemical Engineering, Condensed Matter Physics, Biomaterials
Language:English
Date:2008
Deposited On:15 Feb 2009 14:22
Last Modified:27 Jun 2022 23:01
Publisher:Wiley-Blackwell
ISSN:1616-301X
OA Status:Green
Publisher DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.200800755