Formulating Superhydrophobic Coatings with Silane for Microfiber Applications

Abstract

This study investigates the development of superhydrophobic coatings on microfiber surfaces, with a specific focus on cotton, tweed, felt, and polyester fabrics. The resulting coatings demonstrated significant hydrophobicity, with water contact angles ranging from 128.5° for polyester to 148.9° for tweed. In addition, this investigation delves into the influence of pH levels on water contact angles, revealing notable fluctuations; specifically, higher pH levels resulted in decreased contact angles. The results indicated that the tweed fabric had the highest water contact angle at 151.7°, observed at a pH of 4. This study not only underscores the effective hydrophobic performance of these coatings but also highlights their practical applications. In particular, the research demonstrates the potential use of superhydrophobic coatings in the construction of traditional Kazakh ui (yurts), especially emphasizing the promising water repellency properties of felt fibers. Furthermore, this research illustrates a promising approach for producing superhydrophobic coatings on various microfiber surfaces, underlining their extensive potential applications within the textile industry. Overall, the findings suggest that the innovative use of superhydrophobic coatings can significantly enhance the water resistance of traditional and modern fabrics, paving the way for their broader application in various industries, including outdoor textiles and protective clothing.

Keywords

• superhydrophobic coatings
• microfiber surfaces
• silica nanoparticles
• polydimethylsiloxane
• water contact angle
• pH effects