Superhydrophobic modification and characterization of cashmere fiber surfaces by wet coating techniques of silica nanoparticles

Abstract

Superhydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticle ultra-thin film was fabricated on the surface of cashmere fabric via dip coating method utilizing acetic acid and acidic water. The as-obtained cashmere fabric was characterized by SEM and FTIR analysis, and wetting behavior was determined with contact angle measurement. The stain resistance, pilling and colorfastness grade were also evaluated. Contact angle measurement revealed that cashmere fabric attained a superhydrophobic behavior with a contact angle greater than 150°.The silica nanoparticles were grafted onto surface of cashmere fabric successfully as indicated by the FTIR measurement. Colorfastness and pilling grade were improved in the surface coated cashmere; therefore, the coating process did not impose the adverse effects on the quality of the cashmere fabrics.