Hybrid materials based on ZnO and SiO2 nanoparticles as hydrophobic coatings for textiles

Abstract

This study presents a strategy to obtain textile materials with hydrophobic/oleophobic effect by applying hybrid coatings based on a mixture of flower-like ZnO nanoparticles and organically modified SiO2 nanoparticles (ORMOSIL). The obtained dispersions based on both types of nanoparticles are stable, with unimodal distribution of smaller quasi spherical shape and average size of 158 nm for SiO2 nanoparticles and respectively, with bimodal distribution with a broad distribution of particle size and average size of 144 nm and 435 nm for ZnO flower-like nanoparticles. The ZnO/SiO2 NPs based dispersions were then applied on 100% cotton fabrics on a laboratory scale by padding method in two successive phases. The functionalized cotton fabrics were evaluated in terms of surface morphology changes, whiteness degree and water and oils repellent properties. The developed textile materials exhibited a low wetting capacity, with high values of water absorption time (>15 minutes) and a water-repellent degree of 75 (AATCC photographic scale) and 2.5 respectively (ISO scale) showing an acceptable hydrophobic effect. The functionalization treatment based on mixture of ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles led to obtaining an efficient cotton substrate for the rejection and protection against the oily substances which exhibit an oil repellency degree of 6. Also, the functionalization treatments did not significantly change the surface morphology of the fibres, suggesting that the bulk properties of the cotton fibres remained undamaged.

Surface Modification of Polyester/Viscose Fabric with Silica Hydrosol and Amino-Functionalized Polydimethylsiloxane for the Preparation of a Fluorine-Free Superhydrophobic and Breathable Textile

“…The application of different nanoparticles on the surface of textiles and grafting of hydrophobic bio-based and synthetic compounds has been considered as an effective approach for the fabrication of hydrophobic and water-repellent fabrics [8][9][10][11][12]. One of the widely studied strategies for the fabrication of superhydrophobic textiles is based on increasing the surface roughness by coating the surface with inorganic nanoparticles through the sol-gel process and subsequently lowering the surface energy by attachment of a hydrophobic compound on its surface.…”

Gamma Irradiation and Ag and ZnO Nanoparticles Combined Treatment of Cotton Textile Materials

“…Nanoparticles have a worldwide use, with an increasing trend in production every year [15]. These materials are used in medicine, from devices [16] to drug delivery [17], electronics [18], and textiles [19]. Because of their heavy usage around the world, research is being conducted to reduce production cost, modify physical or chemical properties, or create new material types.…”

Facile Preparation of Superhydrophobic Cotton Fabric Using Silicone Oil and Inorganic Nanoparticles

“…14,15 Moreover, organically modified silica hydrophobic thin films have shown great potential for the functionalization of textile materials and other supports due to their good mechanical and thermal stability. 16…”

“…14,15 Moreover, organically modified silica hydrophobic thin films have shown great potential for the functionalization of textile materials and other supports due to their good mechanical and thermal stability. 16 Some expensive fluoride polymers have been commonly used to change cotton fibers from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. However, they are toxic and bioaccumulative and thus have negative impacts on the environment.…”