Stearic Acid and CeO₂ Nanoparticles Co-functionalized Cotton Fabric with Enhanced UV-Block, Self-Cleaning, Water-Repellent, and Antibacterial Properties

Abstract

Superhydrophobic cotton fabrics with multifunctional features are highly desired in domestic and outdoor applications. However, the short coating longevity and hazardous reagents significantly reduce their commercial-scale applications. Herein, we introduce CeO2 nanoparticles and stearic acid (SA) to develop a fluorine-free, durable superhydrophobic cotton fabric that mimics the lotus effect. The pristine cotton fabric is treated with APTES-functionalized CeO2 nanoparticles by immersion followed by a dip and drying treatment with a 2% myristic acid solution. This sequential process creates a stable superhydrophobic cotton fabric (SA/CeO2-cotton fabric) with a water contact angle of 158° and a water sliding angle of 5°. The results are attributed to the combined effect of CeO2 nanoparticles and stearic acid that enhances surface roughness and reduces surface sorption energy. APTES facilitates the durable attachment of CeO2 nanoparticles and stearic acid to the cotton fabric. The modified cotton fabric is characterized by advanced analytical tools, demonstrating enhanced superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning, and antiwater absorption properties. Additionally, it exhibits remarkable UV-blocking (UPF 542) and antibacterial properties. The designed superhydrophobic cotton fabric unveils good mechanical, thermal, and chemical durability. The proposed strategy is simple, green, and economical and can be used commercially for functional fabric preparation.

Designing a Robust Ni–P/CeO2 Superhydrophobic Composite Coating for Synergistically Enhanced Corrosion Protection and Friction Reduction Performance

“…The absorption bands at 695 and 549 cm –1 in both the FTIR spectra could be attributed to the Ce–O stretching vibration originating from CeO 2 nanoparticles . The stretching and bending vibrations of −OH appeared separately at 3428 and 1622 cm –1 . , In the FTIR spectra of the Ni–P/CeO 2 SC coating, the peaks located at 2916 and 2848 cm –1 correspond to the asymmetric and symmetrical stretching vibration of C–H in STA. , Meanwhile, the two adsorption peaks that appeared at 1531 and 1460 cm –1 can be assigned to the −COO asymmetrical stretching vibrations induced by grafting stearic acid onto CeO 2 . These results prove that low surface energy modification successfully achieved superhydrophobicity by grafting STA and the Ni–P/CeO 2 micro/nanostructure.…”

Silica-Based Superhydrophobic and Superoleophilic Cotton Fabric with Enhanced Self-Cleaning Properties for Oil–Water Separation and Methylene Blue Degradation

“…In addition, it is challenging to make the cotton surface superhydrophobic because chemically, cellulose (about 60–80%) has many hydroxyl groups on its surface that impart superhydrophilic behavior. The surface is modified with ligands and nanoparticles to make the cotton surfaces superhydrophobic. − The superhydrophobic surface can be obtained by introducing inorganic and organic materials on the cotton fabric surface . Many techniques have been used to modify cotton fabric surfaces, like dip-coating, sol–gel, spray, hydrothermal, and many others .…”