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A Simple, One-Step Approach to Durable and Robust Superhydrophobic Textiles†

  1. Jan Zimmermann1,
  2. Felix A. Reifler2,
  3. Giuseppino Fortunato2,
  4. Lutz-Christian Gerhardt3,
  5. Stefan Seeger1,*

Article first published online: 4 NOV 2008

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.200800755

Issue

Advanced Functional Materials

Advanced Functional Materials

Volume 18, Issue 22, pages 3662–3669, November 24, 2008

Additional Information

How to Cite

Zimmermann, J., Reifler, F. A., Fortunato, G., Gerhardt, L.-C. and Seeger, S. (2008), A Simple, One-Step Approach to Durable and Robust Superhydrophobic Textiles. Advanced Functional Materials, 18: 3662–3669. doi: 10.1002/adfm.200800755

Author Information

  1. 1

    Institute of Physical Chemistry University of Zurich Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich (Switzerland)

  2. 2

    Laboratory for Advanced Fibers Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen (Switzerland)

  3. 3

    Laboratory for Protection and Physiology Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen (Switzerland)

*Institute of Physical Chemistry University of Zurich Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich (Switzerland).

  1. †

    The authors thank Pierluigi Barbadoro, Marcel Halbeisen, and Käthe Meyer of the Empa St. Gallen for tensile strength, colorimetric, and washing experiments, the Zentrum für Mikroskopie & Bildanalyse of the University of Zurich for use of its facilities, and the EMPA Testmaterials AG for supplying the textile samples. Supporting Information is available online from Wiley InterScience or from the author.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 17 NOV 2008
  2. Article first published online: 4 NOV 2008
  3. Manuscript Revised: 20 AUG 2008
  4. Manuscript Received: 3 JUN 2008

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Keywords:

  • coatings;
  • filaments;
  • nanostructures;
  • super-hydrophobicity

Graphical Abstract

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In a simple, one step procedure a large variety of textile materials can be coated with silicone nanofilaments. The resulting surface geometry that consists of micro- and nano-fibrous structures generates superhydrophobic properties with an extraordinary robustness towards long-term water exposure and abrasion. An in-depth characterization of a coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabric reveals no significant influence of the coating on important textile related properties such as color, tensile strength, or haptics.

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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