Study on UV-protection and hydrophobic properties of cotton fabric functionalized by graphene oxide and silane coupling agent

Purpose This study aims to prepare UV protection and hydrophobic fabric through modifying cotton fabric by graphene oxide and silane coupling agent. The graphene oxide and silane coupling agent (KH570) are anchored on the cotton fabric by a stable chemical bond. Design/methodology/approach Graphene oxide was prepared by modified Hummers method. The fabric sample was treated with graphene oxide and silane coupling agent KH570 using simple dipping-padding-drying method. The effects of the dosage of graphene oxide, silane coupling agent KH570 and curing temperature were determined by single variable experiment and orthogonal experiment, The UVA and UVB transmittances in ultraviolet light of the sample fabric were characterized, and the contact angle test method with water was used to indicate the hydrophobicity of the sample fabric. The structure and surface of the fabric were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Findings The cotton fabric was successfully modified by graphene oxide and silane coupling agent KH570. Compared with the untreated fabric, the surface of the fabric was smooth, and there was no gap on the fiber. The graphene oxide, silane coupling agent KH570 and cotton fabric combined tightly. The UPF value of the modified fabric was 50+, and the contact angle reached 138.1°. It had excellent UV protection and hydrophobic properties. Research limitations/implications Although graphene oxide and silane coupling agents KH570 had successfully endowed the cotton fabric with good UV protection and hydrophobic properties, graphene oxide and silane coupling agent KH570 are expensive and used in large quantities. There are certain limitations in the actual life and production process. Practical implications After treating with silane coupling agent, the hydrophilic fabric treated with graphene oxide is being translated into hydrophobic, and graphene oxide bonded with cotton. The modified fabrics also have excellent UV protection. This fabric can be used for outdoor sports such as clothes and tents. Originality/value Cotton fabric treated with graphene oxide generally by simple dip-dry-cure method is hydrophilic and graphene oxide is easy to drop. The usage of silane coupling agent KH570 as a crosslinking agent to link graphene oxide and cotton fibers has not been reported yet. The modified fabrics have both UV protection and hydrophobic properties.