Durable Hydrophobic Textile Fabric Finishing Using Silica Nanoparticles and Mixed Silanes

Abstract

Cotton fabric surface was treated with combinations of silica nanoparticles, silane hydrophobes, and silane crosslinkers to obtain durable hydrophobicity. Performance analysis was done by measuring the contact angle of water on the treated fabric surface. To evaluate the durability of the surface hydrophobicity, AATCC crocking and laundering tests were performed. Cotton fabrics with good hydrophobicity (contact angle = 139.1°) and excellent durability (e.g. 95% recovery of contact angle after laundering) were obtained when treated with Aerosil® 90 nanoparticles, n-octyltrimethoxysilane, and bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane. This study demonstrated that the surface treatment using silica nanoparticles and mixed silanes is a promising alternative to fluoropolymer chemistry for achieving durable hydrophobic fabrics.