The
simultaneous and efficient removal of oleophilic and hydrophilic
stains from polyurethane (PU) is realized by combining the easy-cleaning
from the hydrophilic thermoresponsive hydrogel coating containing
acrylamide (AAm), gum arabic (GA), and (ethylene glycol) methyl ether
methacrylate (OEGMA300) P(GA/AAm/OEGMA300) and
the self-cleaning from the embedded nonmetallic photocatalyst g-C3N4. Due to the existence of strong hydrogen bonds
between the hydroxyl groups in the hybrid hydrogel coating and the
hydroxyl/carboxyl groups in the plasma-treated PU, the hybrid hydrogel
coating is very stable on PU. Simultaneously, the acrylamide network
in the hybrid hydrogel coating enhances its mechanical strength. Because
the transition temperature of OEGMA300 is well above the
room temperature, the cross-linked coating remains hydrophilic in
ambient conditions. Thus, oleophilic stains, such as oil and grease,
can be easily removed from the coating surface. In addition, the embedded
photocatalyst g-C3N4 in the hybrid hydrogel
coating introduces the extra capability of decomposing organic compounds
under sunshine, which favors the removal of hydrophilic stains such
as dyes and wines. After sunlight illumination and simply rinsing
with water, both hydrophilic and oleophilic stains can be easily removed.
Moreover, this joint cleaning performance can work for a long time.
Even after four consecutive cycles, both the easy-cleaning to oleophilic
stains by the hydrophilic hydrogel surface and self-cleaning to the
hydrophilic stains by the embedded g-C3N4 remain
unchanged.