Facile construction of robust superhydrophobic cotton textiles for effective UV protection, self-cleaning and oil-water separation

Multifunction of cotton textiles with superhydrophobicity, UV protection, self-cleaning and oil-water separation is of interest for diverse practical applications. Herein, we report a simple and cost-effective dip-coating route to prepare superhydrophobic cotton textiles by using ZnO sol and 3-Mercaptopyl trimethoxysilane (MTS), and then introducing dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) via thiol-ene click reaction. The coated cotton textile displayed excellent superhydrophobic ability with a water contact angle of 156.3° and a shedding angle of 6° when the concentration of DFMA was 10%. The chemical stability of the obtained sample was further evaluated by immersion in acid and alkaline solutions, salt solution and organic solvents , exhibiting wonderful chemical resistance of coating. Laundering and abrasion tests revealed the excellent mechanical stability of coating. Moreover, the modified cotton textile had good UV stability and shielding properties. Furthermore, this cotton showed outstanding self-cleaning and oil-water separation properties, which is promising and suitable for large-scale industrial applications.