Journal of Textile Research ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (02): 197-206.doi: 10.13475/j.fzxb.20240905101

• Dyeing and Finishing Engineering • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Modification of cotton fabrics by behenic acid and ZIF-8 for superhydrophobic and anti-icing performance

YUAN Huabin, WANG Yifeng, WANG Jiapeng, XIANG Yongxuan, CHEN Guoqiang, XING Tieling()   

  1. College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
  • Received:2024-09-25 Revised:2024-10-17 Online:2025-02-15 Published:2025-03-04
  • Contact: XING Tieling E-mail:xingtieling@suda.edu.cn

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Abstract:

Objective The post-freezing stiffness of cotton fabrics not only impairs user mobility but also enhances the risk of hypothermia by exacerbating heat loss, posing potential harm to wearer. The hydrophobic modification of cotton fabrics has been identified as an effective strategy to impart anti-icing capabilities. This study employs biomass materials such as behenic acid and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) to modify the cotton fabrics, producing superhydrophobic textiles with enhanced anti-icing properties.

Method Behenic acid was utilized to induce morphological changes in ZIF-8 on the cotton fabric surface to reduce surface energy, resulting in the creation of superhydrophobic and anti-icing fabrics. The study comprehensively analyzed the surface morphology and chemical composition of the fabric through scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, the stability, wettability, and anti-icing performance of the modified cotton fabric were also studied.

Results The concentration of behenic acid and treatment duration were found to influence significantly the nanoflower structure and superhydrophobic properties of the modified cotton fabric. The optimal conditions were identified which is a behenic acid concentration of 6 g/L and a treatment duration of 120 min. Under these conditions, a dense nanoflower morphology was achieved, with a contact angle of 160.6° and a sliding angle of only 2°. The formation of the nanoflower structure was primarily attributed to the self-assembly between ZIF-8 and behenic acid. Specifically, the Zn2+ in ZIF-8 bound with the carboxyl groups at the ends of behenic acid chains and the hydrophobic interactions between the long chains of behenic acid promoted growth in specific directions, ultimately forming the nanoflower morphology. Infrared spectroscopy revealed new peaks at 419 cm-1 (Zn—N), 991 cm-1 (C—N), 1 581 cm-1 (C—N), 2 846 cm-1 (—CH2), and 2 916 cm-1 (—CH3), confirming the effective modification of cotton fabric by behenic acid and ZIF-8. Even when immersed in a high-concentration methylene blue solution, the surface of the modified cotton fabric showed no signs of contamination. Furthermore, dust on the surface of the modified cotton fabric could be easily removed with water flow, demonstrating excellent self-cleaning and anti-fouling properties. Due to the structural stability of ZIF-8 and the ZnO layer formed at high temperatures, the modified cotton fabric exhibited exceptional thermal stability, maintaining a high residual mass even at 700 ℃. Following modification with behenic acid and ZIF-8, the tensile strength of the modified cotton fabric was significantly enhanced, while its air permeability remained comparable to that of the original cotton fabric. The significant contact angle (160.6°) indicated a high energy barrier for ice formation, with freezing times delayed to 713.2 s at -15 ℃ and 351.6 s at -20 ℃. The modified cotton fabric also demonstrated excellent physical and chemical stability. After 20 cycles of abrasion with 1 000-grit sandpaper and treatment at -20 ℃ and 100 ℃ for 10 h, the contact angle remained above 150°, and the sliding angle was less than 10°. Even after 600 min of continuous washing, the hydrophobic properties were retained. Additionally, the superhydrophobic performance remained stable after 24 h of immersion in strong acid (pH=1), strong base (pH=13), and various organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, cyclohexane, methanol, carbon tetrachloride, and ethanol.

Conclusion The combination of behenic acid and ZIF-8 effectively creates a superhydrophobic material that possesses self-cleaning, anti-fouling, and anti-icing capabilities. The presence of nanoflower structures and superhydrophobic properties relies on the concentration of behenic acid and treatment duration, with optimal conditions at 6 g/L and 120 min. The formation of nanoflowers on the surface of the modified cotton fabric is primarily attributed to the self-assembly of ZIF-8 and behenic acid. The modified fabric exhibits outstanding physical and chemical stability, providing a new approach for developing anti-icing textiles, with freezing delay times in -15 ℃ and -20 ℃ environments recorded at 713.2 s and 351.6 s, respectively.

Key words: functional textile, behenic acid, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, cotton fabric, superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning, anti-fouling, anti-icing

CLC Number: 

  • TS195.5

Fig.1

Morphology of cotton fabric before and after modification(a), θCA(b) and θSA(c) of behenic acid/ZIF-8/cotton"

Fig.2

Influence of concentration(a) and reaction time(b) of behenic acid on microstructure and θCA of behenic acid/ZIF-8/cotton surface"

Fig.3

Infrared spectra(a), XPS spectra(b), and high-resolution C 1s spectra(c) of behenic acid acid/ZIF-8/cotton"

Fig.4

Surface roughness of original cotton fabric(a), ZIF-8/cotton(b), and behenic acid/ZIF-8/cotton(c)"

Fig.5

Thermogravimetric curve(a), stress-strain curve(b), and changes in water evaporation over time(c) of behenic acid/ZIF-8/cotton"

Fig.6

Test photos of wettability, self-cleaning, and anti-fouling performance of behenic acid/ZIF-8/cotton. (a) Silver mirror phenomenon; (b) Resistance to multiple types of water droplet infiltration; (c) Water jet ejection; (d) Anti-fouling testing process; (e) Self-cleaning tasting process"

Fig.7

Temperature variation of water droplet on surface of behenic acid/ZIF-8/cotton over time in different environments"

Fig.8

Effects of abrasion(a), washing time(b), low temperature treatment(c), high temperature treatment(d), acid/base solution immersion(e), and organic solvent immersion(f) on θCA and θSA of behenic acid/ZIF-8/cotton"

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