Study on the structure-activity relationships between superimposed polymer membranes based on graphene doped cationic hydrophilic polyurethane and the pilling & static resistance of coated cashmere fabrics

Abstract

The effects of superimposed polymer membranes doped by graphene via the foaming micro-coating technique on the pilling and static resistance of coated cashmere fabrics are studied. The bonding behaviors to fibers of polymer, which are inescapable in the traditional dipping processing technique, are avoided by the foaming micro-coating technique. Some flexible hydrophilic cationic polyurethanes are purposefully designed and employed in the micro-coating processing of cashmere fabric, and the effects of different coating techniques on the pilling, static, UV and washing resistance of coated cashmere fabric are studied. Results show that the semi-embedded graphene in the “top coating” membrane contributes to static resistance. The pilling resistance of cashmere fabric covered by polymer membranes is enhanced from Grade 1.5 to Grade 4.5 when the its weight gain rate of “bottom coating” reaches 1.5% (o.m.f.), and its static voltage half-life decreases from over 120 s to about 1 s because of functional “top coating.” In addition, the ultraviolet protection factor value of the finished cashmere is doubled, and its anti-pilling and anti-static effects can tolerate more than five times of washing.