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Robust Fluorine‐Free Superhydrophobic PET Fabric Using Alkaline Hydrolysis and Thermal Hydrophobic Aging Process
Author(s) -
Oh JiHyun,
Park Chung Hee
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.201700673
Subject(s) - materials science , polyethylene terephthalate , alkaline hydrolysis , contact angle , composite material , polyester , durability , abrasion (mechanical) , hydrolysis , thermal , organic chemistry , chemistry , physics , meteorology
A newly developed fluorine‐free method to render robust superhydrophobic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric is introduced with alkaline hydrolysis followed by thermal hydrophobic aging process, i.e., nonchemical finishing. The superhydrophobic PET fabric shows a static contact angle of 170.7° ± 2.4° and a shedding angle of 8.6° ± 0.7°. Breathability and color of the fabricated PET fabric are improved and not changed. The alkaline hydrolyzed and thermal hydrophobic aged PET fabric is easily bent and has increased smoothness, fullness, and softness. Additionally, it has good durability for tape test, abrasion test, pH test, and washing test under an extra aging process that gives rise to self‐healing. Self‐cleaning property of the superhydrophobic PET fabric is excellent. Therefore, the alkaline hydrolyzed and thermally hydrophobic aged superhydrophobic fabric has a potential for commercial applications in functional or biomedical textiles, goods and related industries, with improved human/environmental friendliness and efficiency of care.