Production of Superhydrophobic Cotton Fabric by Layer-By-Layer Deposition of SiO2/TiO2-Polydimethylsiloxane

In this study, the aim was to produce superhydrophobic cotton fabric by TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles, and polydimethylsiloxane using layer-by-layer deposition method. It was found that the increase in the bilayer number and PDMS concentration improved superhydrophobicity. In this way, water contact angle values higher than 150 degrees were provided. The scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analyses demonstrated the formation of surface roughness. Moreover, the physical fabric tests and water and stain repellency tests were also carried out. L-b-L deposited samples were found to be softer and had high water and stain repellency values. The durability of the coatings to washing was also confirmed.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to produce superhydrophobic cotton fabric using TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) through layer-by-layer deposition method. It was found that increasing the bilayer number and PDMS concentration improved the superhydrophobicity. Surface analysis showed the formation of roughness, and tests demonstrated high water and stain repellency values and durability to washing.