Fabrication of C6-Fluorocarbon-Dendrimer Based Superhydrophobic Cotton Fabrics for Multifunctional Aspects

Abstract

\n C6-Fluorocarbon (FC)-dendrimer has been applied on cotton knit fabric for developing water repellent, self-cleaning, oil-water separation, acid-resistant, antibacterial, UV resistant and flame retardant property while maintaining acceptable levels of comfort for wearers. The C6-Fluorocarbon (FC)-dendrimer coated 100% cotton single jersey knitted fabric samples were prepared using “pad-dry-cure” method, and characterized and tested for comfort and other textile properties. The 90 g/L and 100 g/L FC-dendrimer treated cotton fabrics provided excellent water repellency, oil-water separation and self-cleaning performance. But air permeability and thermal conductivity were 13%, 15%, and 40%, 54% lower, respectively, than those of untreated fabrics. The presence of FC-dendrimer in the treated fabric was confirmed by FTIR, SEM, EDS and XRD analyses. SEM analysis was employed to study the morphology of deposited FC-dendrimer particles on the fabric surface. Thermal behaviors were evaluated by TGA and DTA. The FC-dendrimer-treated fabric also showed promise as a UV ray absorber, antimicrobial activity, acid resistance and flame retardant property. Overall, the result suggests that FC-dendrimer can be a valuable ingredient in the manufacture of multifunctional products.