Preparation and properties of superhydrophobic cotton fabrics

Authors

P Kampeerapappun
K Visatchok
D Wangarsa

Publication Date

2010-12-01

Abstract

In this study, superhydrophobic cotton fabric was prepared by coating maleic-anhydride grafted poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] (SEBS-g-MA) triblock copolymer solutions containing calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles. SEBS-g-MA solutions were prepared using single solvent (toluene and tetrahydrofuran (THF)) and mixed solvent (toluene: ethanol (EtOH) and THF: EtOH). Cotton fabrics were treated with the prepared solution using padding technique. All coated fabrics exhibited a water contact angle (WCA) of more than 100°. Optimum WCA values were observed when THF and 90:10 toluene: EtOH were employed. In case of CaCO3 particles addition, 6% W/V CaCO3 could impart the highest WCA value of 154°. However, the durability of the coatings was decreased after washing test as witnessed by the decrease in WCA value. Interestingly, fabrics' WCA values after rubbing test were found higher than those before testing due to rougher fabric surface. Finally, coating of SEBS-g-MA onto cotton fabric insignificantly affected the color appearance of coated fabric, judged by an insignificant change in CIE L*a*b* values.

First Page

79

Last Page

83

Recommended Citation

Kampeerapappun, P; Visatchok, K; and Wangarsa, D (2010) "Preparation and properties of superhydrophobic cotton fabrics," Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals: Vol. 20: No. 2, Article 12.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/jmmm/vol20/iss2/12