A facile dip-coating approach to prepare robust superhydrophobic fabric modified by γ-Fe2O3/epoxy resin/lauric acid for oil/water separation, lossless water transportation, and flame retardancy

A facile approach to prepare superhydrophobic fabric with high adhesive ability towards water droplets was developed via a simple dip-coating method. Immersing the cotton fabric (CF) into the γ-Fe 2 O 3 /epoxy resin/lauric acid (FEL) suspension for several minutes, followed by heat curing at 80 °C for 2 h, the superhydrophobic fabric (CF-FEL) was obtained. The quality ratio of γ-Fe 2 O 3 to epoxy resin effect on superhydrophobicity of°F-FEL was discussed. The water contact angle was 156° when 0.15 g γ-Fe 2 O 3 particles were applied. Based on the sticky water adhesion, the CF-FEL could be utilized to realize the transportation of water droplet without mass loss. Meanwhile, due to the capillary force and stagger fibers, the CF-FEL exhibited excellent separation flux and efficiency to separate heavy oil/water mixtures. The mechanical durability of the CF-FEL was also evaluated through tape peeling and rubbing test, which further indicated the feasibility of practical application. Moreover, the CF-FEL showed superior flame retardancy because it inherited the thermal stability property of epoxy resin and γ-Fe 2 O 3 particles. Thus, the prepared CF-FEL is multifunctional and the preparation method is facile and environmentally friendly.