Fabrication of multifunctional cotton fabric with “pompon mum” shaped surface by ZIF-8 for applications in oil-water separation and anti-icing

Abstract

The application of metal organic framework materials (MOFs) in superhydrophobic modification has a broad prospect. In this work, a multifunctional flexible superhydrophobic cotton fabric (PSZDC) with no fluorine, high oil-water separation efficiency, and excellent anti-icing performance was prepared through the modification of cotton fabric by dopamine (DA), ZIF-8, stearic acid (SA) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). SEM and 3D ultra-depth of field stereo microscope results revealed the unique “pompon mum” shaped surface of PSZDC. ATR-FTIR, XRD, and XPS analyses confirmed the composition of the hydrophobic layer. PSZDC had a water contact angle of 165.4° and showed stability in mechanical robustness and chemical resistance tests. The oil-water separation efficiency of PSZDC was close to 100 %, and the permeation flux was as high as 36,000 (L·m−2h−1). PSZDC also exhibited excellent effect in anti-icing test, which was expected to be used as ice rescue suits and oil-water separation materials. In addition, this method was universal and repeatable, as evidenced by its application to four common fabrics: nylon-6, polyester, wool, and silk.