Surface modification of cotton fabric to create water repellence property via atom transfer radical polymerization

Abstract

To enhance the water repellent property of cotton fabric, cotton was grafted using dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFHMA) monomer via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method in aqueous media. The structure of grafted cotton fabric was characterized by scanning electron microcopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that DFHMA was successfully grafted onto the surface of cotton fabric. Compared with the control cotton fabric, the surface contact angle test showed that the water repellence of the grafted cotton fabric was better. The surface contact angle of the grafted cotton fabric could reach 150.0°. Furthermore, the washing durability of the grafted fabric was also investigated. The surface contact angle of the grafted cotton fabric could reach 145.3° after 20 times washing. The whiteness, air permeability and moisture regain of the grafted cotton fabric decreased slightly compared with the control cotton fabric. Cotton fabric with good water repellent property and great washing durability could be obtained, which had little effect on the intrinsic properties of cotton fabric.