Functionalization of cellulose fibers alongside growth of 2D LDH platelets through urea hydrolysis inspired Taro wettability

Here, Cotton fabric was functionalized via hybrid coating including 2D Mg-Al LDH (layered double hydroxide) and SA (stearic acid). The urea hydrolysis was employed for construction of vertically aligned LDH on surface of cellulose fibers under hydrothermal condition. The in situ formation mechanism of LDH on cotton surface was nucleation, growth, and interaction with activated cellulose chains. The partial cellulose ionization in the alkaline solution led to nucleophilic behavior towards electron deficient atom. The effect of different ageing, synthesis temperature, and amount of SA were investigated and optimized at 100 degrees C for 24 h with 0.05 M. The superhydrophobic surface architecture of treated cotton with hierarchical micro/nanostructure was inspired from the Taro leaf structure with continuous contact line presented WCA of 154 degrees and CAH of 9 degrees. The Cotton@LDH@SA exhibited efficient oil/water separation after several washes (>90%) with good stain resistant. Also, the physico-mechanical properties were studied.

Automated summary

In this study, cotton fabric was functionalized with a hybrid coating of 2D Mg-Al LDH and SA through urea hydrolysis method. The resulting superhydrophobic surface structure, inspired by taro leaf structure, exhibited efficient oil/water separation performance and good stain resistance even after multiple washes. Additionally, the treated cotton showed excellent physico-mechanical properties.