Fabrication of multi-functional and breathable superhydrophobic cotton fabric based on curcumin/ZIF-8 through mild thiol-ene click chemistry reaction

• Superhydrophobic cotton fabric (SHCZC) was obtained by thiol-ene click chemistry. • Combination of ZIF-8, octadecanethiol and curcumin endow SHCZC with multifunction. • SHCZC has self-cleaning, oil/water separation, anti-UV/icing/bacterial properties. • SHCZC is flexible and breathable, and is stable in harsh environments. Multifunctional superhydrophobic materials demonstrate remarkable performance and promising application prospects in various fields. However, there is still considerable interest in developing milder superhydrophobic modification techniques for materials. In this study, we aimed to improve the surface roughness of cotton fabric by utilizing an in-situ growth method to incorporate zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). The fabric underwent a subsequent treatment with curcumin at room temperature, which served as a bridge for connection and provided multifunction to form a core–shell structure (curcumin/ZIF-8). Eventually, by implementing a mild thiol-ene click chemistry reaction, specifically by grafting octadecanethiol onto the C = C bond within the curcumin structure, we successfully prepared superhydrophobic modified cotton fabric known as SHCZC. The contact angle of the SHCZC material reached 168.7°, accompanied by a sliding angle of just 1°. Furthermore, SHCZC exhibited exceptional stability in harsh environments, enduring exposure to strong acids, alkalis, organic solvents, high and low temperatures, repeated washing, and abrasion. The material also demonstrated excellent thermal stability and remarkable breathability. Additionally, SHCZC possessed self-cleaning, UV-blocking, anti-fouling, antibacterial, anti-icing, and oil/water separation characteristics. The presence of these characteristics expands the potential of SHCZC beyond the field of superhydrophobic materials, positioning it as a highly advanced and versatile multifunctional material.