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Inkjet printed pattern for durable, superhydrophobic and UV protective cotton fabric

Functionalising textiles can be a high energy and raw material consumption process. This paper introduces inkjet printing as one option to give cotton superhydrophobicity and certain UV barrier properties. Special inks are necessary to achieve the necessary performance.
Functional coatings
Textiles with extra functionality are of high interest. Inkjet technology seems to improve the process.
Bismuth oxide nanoparticles in water-based polyurethane coatings provide light and flexible protection against ionising radiation. Source: suchetpong – stock.adobe.com

In order to solve the problems of high energy consumption, high raw material consumption and poor air permeability of fabrics in the dip-baking method, a simple low-liquid inkjet printing method was used to prepare superhydrophobic cotton fabrics. Inkjet printing technology enables precise control over the printing position and droplet amount, allowing for the creation of superhydrophobic patterns on the fabric surface. ZIF-8 precursor solution and long alkyl chain siloxane were formulated as suitable inks and printed on the surface of the fabric, forming a rough interface with low surface energy.

The surface micromorphology and chemical structure of the fabric samples were characterised in detail. The prepared ZIF-HDTMS-cotton fabric exhibited superhydrophobic property with a high water contact angle of 158° and self-cleaning property against liquid and solid contaminants. Importantly, after undergoing a variety of harsh damage tests, the modified fabric still exhibited good superhydrophobicity, indicating its favorable chemical stability and mechanical durability. Compared to raw cotton fabric, the treated fabric exhibited an air permeability rate of 311.6 L/m2/s, proving its excellent breathability.

Due to the high absorption capacity of ZIF-8 to ultraviolet rays, the prepared cotton fabric has obtained a certain ultraviolet protection effect. In addition, through infrared camera observation, it is found that the ZIF-HDTMS-cotton fabric also has a good anti-permeation effect on hot water, which can play a role in preventing scalding. These findings pave the way for the development of patterned multifunctional textiles through precise inkjet printing technology.

Source: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules Volume 289, February 2025, 138684

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