Self-healing super-hydrophobically coated fiber prepared by plasma treatment

The ultra-durable, self-healing superhydrophobic polyester fabric based on ZnO@PDMS nanoparticle composite coating (PET-g-PDMS@ZnO fiber) is prepared by low-temperature plasma polymerization. The influences of the preparation process on the superhydrophobicity, self-healing property, durability and stability of the coating are studied. The results show that the water contact angle on the surface of PET-g-PDMS@ZnO fabric can reach 162.7°, and the sliding angle is 7.5°. After 300 washing cycles and 1300 rubbing cycles, the superhydrophobic property is still maintained. Both plasma method and heating method are used to repair the worn coating, and it is found that the repair effect of plasma is obvious, while the heating repair is effective only in the case of small loads. Moreover, scanning electron microscope, nanoindentation and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement are used to explore the self-healing mechanism. This research provides the theoretical and technical support for the development and application of plasma technology in the preparation of superhydrophobic fabrics.