Controlled micro-nano morphology in-situ construction on cotton fibers surface via zinc-based layered metal hydroxides (Zn-LMHs) transformation coating with silicone synergy for multifunction

This study successfully introduced zinc-based layered metal hydroxides (Zn-LMHs) onto the fiber surface and subsequently transformed them into ZnO micro-nanostructures through a controlled process. In conjunction with low-surface-energy organosilicon materials, these structures facilitated precise modulation of the micro-nano structural features on the fiber surface. The crystalline characteristics of the ZnO micro/nano flower-like architectures on the cotton fiber surface were systematically investigated using XRD. The results confirmed that the micro/nano flower structure size could be controlled by optimizing the production parameters. SEM and AFM revealed a substantial increase in root mean square roughness (Rq = 164.0 nm), arising from cooperative interfacial coupling effects between architecturally engineered zinc oxide (ZnO) hierarchical micro-nano floral assemblies and siloxane-based surface modification layers. The modified cotton fabric exhibited remarkable superhydrophobic characteristics, achieving a water contact angle of 165.8° and a rolling angle of 5.0°. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the treated cotton fabric displayed improved thermal stability, with a final decomposition temperature of 454.2 °C and a residual carbon content of 20.3 %. Moreover, the functionalized fabric demonstrated exceptional performance in terms of self-cleaning, antifouling, durability, and recyclability, alongside superior UV resistance and antibacterial properties. A novel and effective strategy for designing and fabricating advanced multifunctional textiles is proposed in the study.