Fluorine-Free Bio-Based Multifunctional Superhydrophobic Hyperbranched Self-Cleaning Coating for Oil-Water Separation

In this paper, first, UV-curable vinyl-terminated hyperbranched polyester (VTDP) is synthetized via a two-step reaction. Then, mono-sulfhydryl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-SH) is prepared via esterification reaction. Finally, cotton fabrics are immersed in mixtures of PDMS-SH, double-sulfhydryl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HS-PDMS-SH), VTDP and hydrophobic fumed silica (HFS), and cross-linking polydimethylsiloxane with hydrophobic fumed silica (HCPDMS@HFS) fabrics are prepared by 35 s of UV irradiation. When the content of HFS is 2.0 wt%, the superhydrophobic HCPDMS@HFS fabrics with high water contact angle (158.5) as well as low sliding angle (6.8) are obtained. At the same time, HCPDMS@HFS fabrics can withstand sandpaper abrasion for 30 cycles and tape-peeling repetition for 100 times. They also exhibit excellent self-cleaning ability, chemical durability, thermal stability, and good recyclability.

Automated summary

This study synthesizes specific materials and prepares superhydrophobic fabrics with high water contact angle and low sliding angle on the surface of cotton fabrics through cross-linking reactions, demonstrating excellent performance and sustainability.