Synthesis of Fluoro-Containing Superhydrophobic Cotton Fabric with Washing Resistant Property Using Nano-SiO2 Sol-Gel Method

A superhydrophobic complex coating for cotton fabrics based on silica nanoparticles and new fluoroalkylsiloxane polymer was reported here. The complex thin film was prepared through sol-gel method using cotton fabrics as a substrate. Silica nanoparticles in the coating made the textile surface much rougher, and new fluoroalkylsiloxane polymer with reactive groups on the top layer of the surface lowered the surface free energy and enhanced the binding between silica nanoparticles and the fluoro-containing polymer. Textiles coated with this coating showed excellent water repellent property, and water contact angle (CA) increased from 138° on the pure fluoroalkylsiloxane polymer treated cotton fabric up to 156.5° on complex one. Moreover, this superhydrophobic complex coating possesses favorable washing durability and its CA still retain 106° after 20 times of soaping operations.