Photochromie cotton fabric based on microcapsule technology with anti-fouling properties

In this paper, we prepare a novel photochromie hydrophobic cotton fabric with high sensitivity after irradiated by ultraviolet light, excellent fatigue resistance, and good hydrophobic properties. Additionally, it can quickly return to the primary color under conditions of green light, heat or dark, respectively. The target photochromie spiropyrane compound was firstly synthesized and prepared into microcapsules as core and chitosan as shell to improve the fatigue resistance. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was creatively blended with microcapsules and coated onto the surface of cotton fabric. The presence of PDMS can not only ensure the firmly fixation of microcapsules on the fabric surface, but also endow the fabric with anti-fouling properties due to the hydrophobic effect. The target photochromie compound, photochromie microcapsules and the as-prepared cotton fabrics were confirmed by characterizations. The results indicated that the target photochromie compound was successfully synthesized, and the as-prepared cotton fabric exhibits good hydrophobic properties, long-lasting photochromie properties, including fast color changing properties and outstanding fatigue resistance. Furthermore, the washing fastness of the as-prepared fabrics was also studied, proving their great potential in civilian textiles, especially in outdoor textiles.