Omniphobic polyurethane – superabsorbent polymer – fluoropolymer surface coating on cotton fabric for chemical protection and thermal comfort

Abstract

This research aims to develop chemical protective clothing via a functionalised surface coating on cotton fabric for simultaneous barrier performance and thermal comfort. An omniphobic protective layer on the cotton fabric was developed through a polyurethane – superabsorbent polymer – fluoropolymer coating to protect the penetration of water, oils and liquid chemicals. It was found that the padding of coated specimens with fluoropolymer provided a substantial improvement of hydrophobicity, and therefore, exhibited a high-water contact angle (114.06°) and a maximum water repellency rating of 100. The highest aqueous liquid repellency (8.0) and satisfactory oil repellency (7.5) with resistance against liquid chemical penetration were also achieved after the treatment with fluoropolymer. Moreover, the coated fabrics integrated with superabsorbent polymer showed an improved dry heat resistance and moisture vapour transmittance, consequently a high evaporative cooling index to create a favourable thermal comfort between the skin and the apparel in hot and humid conditions. Other comfort parameters, including air permeability and moisture management performance were compromised to a certain level due to a continuous and hydrophobic barrier layer on the fabric surface that hindered the transferring of air and liquid sweat through the coating.

An Omniphobic Spray Coating Created from Hierarchical Structures Prevents the Contamination of High‐Touch Surfaces with Pathogens

“…[32,33] Recent studies have exploited this property for the facile and scalable spray coating of omniphobic, multi-leveled micro/nanostructures. For instance, the spray-coating of silanizing agents, [34,35] highly networked silver nanoflakes, [36,37] and a conformable fluoropolymer [38][39][40] has all been utilized in the textile industry to produce omniphobic and bacteria-repellent garments. However, their instability hinders their applicability for real-world applications.…”

Investigation of water absorption performance of polyester‐woven fabrics coated with super absorbent polymer

“…In comparison to bulk polymerization, solution polymerization makes it easier to control the temperature and molecular weight of the product. 16 Apart from the polyurethane-based coating studies with a coating paste containing powdered SAP, 17,18 no academic study has been found in the literature on water-based coating applications.…”