Hierarchical structure microspheres of PCL block copolymers via electrospraying as coatings for fabric with mechanical durability and self‐cleaning ability

Abstract

The various morphology and structure microspheres were fabricated via one-step single-solvent electrospraying of hydrophilic and hydrophobic block modified copolymer of polycaprolactone (PCL). A honeycomb-like hierarchical structure microspheres of PCL-b-PTFOA(4h) and abundant nanometer pores of PCL-b-PEG400 microspheres were obtained due to the solvent evaporation, thermally and polymer diffusioninduced phase separation effect. Furthermore, a superhydrophobic coatings and robust superhydrophobic-coated cotton woven fabric surfaces were prepared by using PCL-b-PTFOA(4h) microspheres with hierarchical structure and low surface energy. The contact angle (CA) and sliding angle (SA) of PCL-b-PTFOA (4h) microspheres-coated cotton woven fabric surfaces reached 164.4 ± 5.5°and6.8 ± 0.5°, respectively, which allows for self-cleaning. The self-cleaning test demonstrated that the coated superhydrophobic surface could shed aqueous dyes and dust without any trace. The superhydrophobic-coated fabric shows good soaping fastness against mechanical abrasion without significant reduction of CA. This electrospraying coating of block copolymers can provide a simple, facile, and promising technique for producing multifunctional textiles.

Recent developments in preparation, properties, and applications of superhydrophobic textiles

“…For example, Li et al. 47 initiated polymerization of 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyl acrylate (TFOA) into a polymer (PTFOA) via an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) process initiated by 2-hydroxyethyl-2-bromoisobutyrate (HEBiB). Then terminal hydroxyl groups of PTFOA and terminal carboxyl groups of polycaprolactone (PCL) were esterified to prepare low surface energy superhydrophobic PTFOA-PCL spherical block polymers.…”

In situ synthesis of TiO2/NC on cotton fibers with antibacterial properties and recyclable photocatalytic degradation of dyes

“…The degradation rate of the dyes was analyzed with the UV absorption spectrum. The degradation rate calculation equation is shown in eqn (1).…”

“…Six reaction times were set to degrade MB and AR using TiO 2 @Cot., which were 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 4, and 6 hours. The degradation rate of the dyes aer light irradiation was then calculated from the corresponding absorption intensity in eqn (1). As shown in Fig.…”

The microstructure and surface characteristics of fluorine‐based copolymer coatings deposited by the static breath method

“…The breath figure method, electrospinning, grafting modification, and plasma treatment have been used to prepare super-hydrophobic materials. [15][16][17] In the above-mentioned ways, the static BF method has the characteristics of good stability and simple operation, so it has been widely used to construct microstructure coating on the substrate. BF method is a way to prepare microstructure array by self-assembly of water droplets.…”

“…In addition to the above methods, many scholars also build rough surfaces to improve the hydrophobicity of materials. The breath figure method, electrospinning, grafting modification, and plasma treatment have been used to prepare super‐hydrophobic materials 15–17 . In the above‐mentioned ways, the static BF method has the characteristics of good stability and simple operation, so it has been widely used to construct microstructure coating on the substrate.…”