Durable superamphiphobic aramid fabrics modified by PTFE and FAS for chemical protective clothing

Abstract

A robust, superamphiphobic, and self-cleaning fabric was obtained through a two-step coating method using polytetrafluoroethylene micro particles and fluorinated alkyl silanes on aramid fabrics. The superamphiphobic and repellent properties were obtained from the treated aramid fabrics, as evidenced by the high contact angles with water, oil, and acid/base droplets (> 150°) and the corresponding low rolling angles (< 5°) for water. By scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, we observed that roughness structures were formed by polytetrafluoroethylene micro particles and fluorinated alkyl silanes, which significantly enhanced the superamphiphobicity and durability. No penetration was observed in the coated fabrics after staining with H2SO4 (40%) and NaOH (40%) for up to 180 min. There was no apparent change in the weight-loss rate after immersion in general acids and alkalis for 100 h. In addition, the coated fabric could withstand at least 200 cycles of abrasion and 10 cycles of washing without apparent change in its superamphiphobicity. The simple but effective coating may be useful for the development of personal protection textiles for emergency rescue applications.