Effect of CS2/NaOH activation on the hydrophobic durability of cotton filter fabric modified via ARGET-ATRP

Abstract

Hydrophobic modified cotton filter fabric is a key material in the chemical industry, as it is used in common industrial filtration and precision separation processes. Most studies have focused on improving the hydrophobicity of cotton filter fabric. However, the hydrophobic durability, which is the most critical factor that determines the application scope of the material, remains unaddressed. Herein, we report that CS2 activation and subsequent 1-octadecene graft copolymerization via ARGET-ATRP of the cotton filter fabric leads to a modified material that is largely superior to the traditional cotton filter fabric. The modified cotton filter fabric exhibits high hydrophobicity, with an initial water contact angle of 141.0° and excellent hydrophobic durability, as demonstrated by the residual water contact angle of 126.7° after a 150 min droplet holding time. Moreover, the modified hydrophobic sample fabric was resistant to a variety of physical stresses and chemicals, maintaining its hydrophobic properties following multiple resistance tests, such as immersion in oily water for 10 days, immersion in organic solvents for 72 h, or when subjected to UV radiation for 24 h.