Breathable Fabrics Research Articles

Fluorine-free biomimetic membranes with leaf vein-like and lotus leaf dual structure for high-performance waterproof and breathable textiles

Intelligent microporous membranes with excellent water resistance and moisture permeability have a huge market demand owing to their wide applications in personal protection, outdoor equipment and wearable electronics. However, the construction of such high-performance waterproof and moisture-permeable membranes (WBMs) based on a simple preparation process without post-coating treatment presents significant challenges. Herein, we present a simple strategy for constructing a fluorine-free polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based WBM with a novel composite structure by combining a leaf vein-like nanofibrous substrate membrane and lotus leaf-inspired biomimetic nanofibrous skin using multi-needle electrospinning and heat treatment techniques. Surface hydrophobicity, along with the stable crosslinked structure of PET-based membranes, was achieved by in-suit doping of fluorine-free two-component reactive silicone rubber (PDMS). In addition, the small pore size and high porosity of the composite membranes were regulated by co-assembling PET/PDMS fibers and microspheres with different morphologies and structures. The resulting composite membranes based on substrate membrane-1:3 (BNFM-1:3) achieved excellent waterproof performance of 90.3 kPa, good moisture permeability of 5116 g m−2 d−1, and air permeability of 1.82 mm s−1. The WBMs based on novel composite structures are expected to be applied in various fields because of their ideal comprehensive performance.

What's the Impact of Safety Footwear on Workers Concerning Foot-Related Problems? A Systematic Review.

This study aims to assess the impact of safety footwear (SF) on workers concerning foot-related problems, especially regarding discomfort, foot pain, and skin lesions. A literature search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting foot-related problems in workers wearing SF were included. Exclusion criteria included non-English papers, reviews, laboratory and animal studies, expert opinions, letters to the editor, and grey literature. The quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Descriptive statistic was used to present data. The initial search results yielded 483 articles; 7 articles were included in the review process. Despite the extensive variety of SF, all studies consistently reported symptomatic discomfort and pain. The discomfort factors included heat, sweating, heaviness, and footwear flexibility, with primary issues in the toes, toecaps, or metatarsal-toe crease region. The pain prevalence ranged from 42.3% to 60.8% in various anatomical regions. Irritant Contact Dermatitis was the most common (97.9%) foot dermatosis, but other foot lesions were reported: dry skin (30.2%), calluses (30%), hard nails (28%), corns (27%), and blisters. Current SFs are designed to comply with safety regulations but are influenced by the frequent occurrence of discomfort and foot problems. The literature review identified weaknesses in certain design features. Recommendations have been proposed to improve SF development. These include addressing issues such as the selection of specific types and designs of SF based on task performance and the working environment, footwear weight, and breathable materials for moisture permeation. Considerations should also encompass distinct sizing for an optimal fit, insole application, especially for prolonged standing users, and education programs to prevent foot-related issues.

Lightweight, breathable and self-cleaning polypyrrole-modified multifunctional cotton fabric for flexible electromagnetic interference shielding

The thriving of wearable electronics and the emerging new requirements for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding have driven the innovation of EMI shielding materials towards lightweight, wearability and multifunctionality. Herein, the hierarchical polypyrrole nanotubes (PNTs)/PDMS structures are rationally constructed on the textile for obtaining multifunctional and flexible EMI shielding textiles by in-situ polymerization and surface coating. The modified cotton fabric possesses a conductivity of about 2715.8 S/m and an SET of 28.2 dB in the X band when the thickness is only 0.5 mm. After ultrasonic treatment, cyclic bending and washing, the conductivity and EMI shielding performance remain stable and exhibit long-term durability. Importantly, the textile's inherent lightweight, breathable and soft properties have been completely retained after modification. This work shows application potentiality in the field of EMI pollution protection and affords a novel path for the construction of multifunctionally wearable and durable EMI shielding materials.

Robust, breathable and antibacterial superamphiphobic cotton fabrics prepared by layer-by-layer dip coating

Superamphiphobic fabrics with both antibacterial and breathable properties are essential for medical applications i.e. stain protection, while challengeable in preparation. In this work, a novel multifunctional superamphiphobic fabric is freshly prepared using a simple layer-by-layer dip-coating strategy. The polydopamine (PDA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), branched poly (ethylenimine) (bPEI), silicon dioxide (SiO2), octadecylamine (ODA), poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (FAS) are successfully grafted on cotton fabrics. Attributed to the hierarchical micro-nano structure and low surface energy of the coating, the prepared breathable superamphiphobic fabric (B-SAF) exhibits super-repellency and stain resistance against water and oily liquids, even the liquid surface tension is as low as 27.5 mN/m. Moreover, high breathability, good moisture resistance, excellent self-cleaning property were obtained, and good durability were maintained after varied mechanical and chemical damage, high temperatures, and continuous light exposure. More importantly, benefiting from the superamphiphobicity and the presence of amines, B-SAF demonstrates excellent resistance to blood staining and antibacterial activity, which exhibits strong application potentials in the fields of advanced functional textiles, protective clothing, antifouling and chemical engineering.

Investigation of the effects of different needle hole covering techniques on seam characteristics of waterproof breathable fabric

PurposeStitching is the traditional method of creating seams using needles and threads. However, this is not useful for waterproof breathable garments as needle holes allow water to penetrate inside the garment, compromising its functionality. This study aims to investigate different techniques for covering the needle holes formed during stitching to achieve a seam that is waterproof, durable and functionally effective.Design/methodology/approachThis study investigates different methods to cover needle holes formed during stitching with the help of seam tape, seam grip adhesive and fuser thread. The emphasis is on evaluating the seam characteristics, including seam strength, seam efficiency, puckering, bending stiffness and resistance to water penetration. Statistical analysis involves the use of the Shapiro–Wilk test, Levene statistic, one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD and Tamhane post-hoc tests.FindingsThe experimental results suggest that seam tape is effective in enhancing water resistance, seam strength and seam efficiency, but it contributes to stiffness and aesthetically degrades seams due to increased puckering. Meanwhile, the use of fuser thread presents an alternative, exhibiting improved waterproof properties compared to regular stitching. It offers more flexibility and less puckering compared to seam tape.Originality/valueThis study contributes novel insights by shifting the focus from alternative seaming methods such as bonding and welding, to enhancing traditional stitching for waterproof seam construction. While prior research primarily explored alternatives to stitching, this study uniquely addresses the effectiveness of different techniques in covering needle holes to achieve waterproof seams. The findings provide valuable information for enhancing the functionality of stitched seams in the production of waterproof breathable garments.

Development of Banana Fabric Fruit Cover Finished with Neem Leaf Extraction

Fruit covers, also known as fruit protection covers or fruit netting, are used in agro tech to provide a physical barrier around fruits. They are typically made of lightweight, breathable material that allows sunlight, air, and water to reach the fruit while keeping pests, birds, and other animals away. Fruit covers act as a shield against extreme weather conditions, such as hail, strong winds, or excessive rainfall, which can cause physical damage to the fruit. Fruit cover protects from damages caused by nature to the fruits. Banana fabric is used for fruit cover. It is breathable and biodegradable. Banana fiber has its own physical and chemical characteristics and many other properties that make it a fine quality fiber. Appearance of banana fiber is similar to that of bamboo fiber and ramie fiber, but its fineness and spinnability is better than the two. The chemical composition of banana fiber is cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin .It is highly strong fiber .It has smaller elongation. It has somewhat shiny appearance depending upon the extraction & spinning process. Selected the neem leaf to prevent the fruits from insects. The herb was collected and washed thoroughly to get rid of insects if any were present in it. The leaves are plucked and taken for the next process. Double boiling method is used to extract neem leaf. In a double boiler, water is placed in a pot that sits on the burner. On top of the pot, a glass or metal bowl holds the ingredients you're cooking. The steam from the simmering water warms the contents of the bowl gently with indirect heat. Fruit cover has 70% breathability. It is done to confirm that the fruit cover is suitable for the fruit to grow. Tearable testing is 25% towards wet tearing an 20% towards dry tearing. Keywords: Fruit cover, Extraction of neem leaf, Banana fabric, breathability, shield against extreme weather, Myrobalan

Bio-based epoxy resin/carbon nanotube coatings applied on cotton fabrics for smart wearable systems

Electroactive coatings for smart wearable textiles based on a furan bio-epoxy monomer (BOMF) crosslinked with isophorone diamine (IPD) and additivated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are reported herein. The effect of BOMF/IPD molar ratio on the curing reaction, as well as on the properties of the crosslinked resins was first assessed, and it was found that 1.5:1 BOMF/IPD molar ratio provided higher heat of reaction, glass transition temperature, and mechanical performance. The resin was then modified with CNT to prepare electrically conductive nanocomposite films, which exhibited conductivity values increased by eight orders of magnitude upon addition of 5 phr of CNTs. The epoxy/CNT nanocomposites were finally applied as coatings onto a cotton fabric to develop electrically conductive, hydrophobic and breathable textiles. Notably, the integration of CNTs imparted efficient and reversible electrothermal behavior to the cotton fabric, showcasing its potential application in smart and comfortable wearable electronic devices.

Advanced Fabrication and Characterization of Hydrothermal Responsive Fabric from Microcrystalline Cellulose-Reinforced Shape Memory Polyurethane Filament

Demands for smart textiles have recently increased quickly in terms of functionality and responsiveness to wearers and environmental changes. This paper explores the development of hydrothermal responsive shape memory woven fabric from Microcrystalline Cellulose Reinforced Shape Memory Polyurethane Microcomposite Filament. The concentration of microcrystalline cellulose and drawing ratio of the filaments were first optimized according to the tensile strength and shape recovery ratio and taken as 15 wt% and 2.0 respectively. Hydrothermal responsive shape memory micro-composite filaments were then produced from shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with optimized concentration and draw ratio by wet spinning process. The physical, mechanical, thermal and shape memory performances of the filaments were studied. The optimized filament was found to have a tensile strength of 0.91 cN/dtex and elongation of 385.2% in which the strength is much more improved when compared to a pure SMPU filament of strength 0.72 cN/dtex. The shape fixity and shape recovery results of the micro-composite filament were found to be 71.2% and 93.6% respectively. A woven fabric was manufactured from pure polyester, cotton as warp and SMPU-MCC filaments as weft and its breathability and shape memory properties were investigated. The air permeability of SMPU-PE fabrics was found to be 172.9 mm/s and 155.1 mm/s in its fixed temporary shape and recovered shape respectively. The water vapour permeability of SMPU-CT fabric was found to be 612.01 g/m2.h and 540.28 g/m2.h in its fixed temporary and recovered shape respectively which shows smart breathable fabrics can be made and adopted with enhanced properties.

Innovative material applications in clothing design research

With the improvement of living standards, there is a growing demand for clothing that offers both comfort and functionality. Nanomaterials have emerged as a hot topic in clothing design due to their unique structure and performance characteristics. In this study, we develop a composite nanofabric with exceptional water resistance and breathability using polyurethane (PU), fluorinated polyurethane (FPU), and polyvinyl butyral (PVB), namely PU-FPU-PVB composite nanofabric. The mechanical properties, wettability, waterproofing, and thermal comfort are evaluated. The results demonstrate that optimizing the TPU and PVB contents is crucial for obtaining PU-FPU-PVB composite nanofabrics with exceptional performance. Low TPU concentrations fail to provide sufficient viscosity for even dispersion within the hot melt adhesive mesh film, while higher concentrations enable better dispersion due to increased viscosity provided by TPU. Additionally, increasing the content of PVB from 0 wt% to 100 wt% led to decreased moisture permeability from 10.5 kg ·m−2 · d−1 to 3.0 kg ·m−2 · d−1 during thermal comfort testing. Its permeability dropped from 22.5 mm/s to 2.8 mm/s under these conditions. These findings indicate that our designed composite nanofabric exhibits excellent thermal comfort when incorporating appropriate levels of PVB into its composition, making it an ideal high-performance material for waterproof and breathable fabrics with superior comfort and functionality in clothing design applications. In conclusion, PU-FPU-PVB composite nanofabrics hold great potential for fostering the innovative advancement of nanomaterials in the realm of clothing design.

Modification of High-Density Polyethylene with a Fibrillar-Porous Structure by Biocompatible Polyvinyl Alcohol via Environmental Crazing.

Polymer/polymer nanocomposites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and biocompatible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared by tensile drawing of HDPE in the PVA solutions via environmental crazing. The mechanism of this phenomenon was described. The HDPE/PVA nanocomposites were studied by the methods of scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, gravimetry, tensile tests, and their composition, properties, and performance were characterized. The content of PVA in the HDPE/PVA nanocomposites (up to 22 wt.%) was controlled by the tensile strain of HDPE and concentration of PVA in the solution. Depending on the content of PVA, the wettability of the HDPE/PVA nanocomposite (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) could be varied in a broad interval from 45 to 98°. The modification of HDPE by the biocompatible PVA offers a beneficial avenue for practical applications of the HDPE/PVA composites as biomedical materials, packaging and protective materials, modern textile articles, breathable materials, membranes and sorbents, etc.

Coaxially spinning stretchable zin-ion battery fiber with waterproof and scissorability

Wearable energy storage with super mechanic flexibility, stretchability and safety has been in pursuit for smart flexible textiles. Fiber batteries, though having their superiority in spinnability, knittability and adaptability for breathable textiles with comparison to planar batteries, were normally produced with complicated procedures. To simplify the production process, in this study we showed that stretchable and scissorable Zinc-ion battery fibers could be spun through a dual-core spinning head with double concentric sheathes, by combining a one-step coaxial wet-spinning process and an in-situ photo-polymerization process. The resultant fibers showed super stretchability up to 500 % strain. The presence of outer protection layer also offered super abrasion resistance and endurability to water and stress. Besides the spinnability and knittability into fabric, the battery fibers also maintained their functionality even after being cut into short segments. Thus, this study may not only offer a platform of one-step coaxial wet spinning process to produce battery fibers, but also offer an endurable energy-storage solution applicable in various wearable devices.

Bionic lotus‐leaf‐structured fluorine‐free polyurethane by combining electrospinning and electro‐spraying for waterproof and breathable textiles

AbstractDeveloping environmentally friendly and high‐performing viable waterproof and breathable membranes (WBMs) is critical but significantly challenging. Herein, we combine electrospinning and electro‐spraying methods. First, elastic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is used as the polymer, and poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS) with low surface energy is introduced to prepare TPU/PMHS fiber‐based membranes by electrospinning. Electro‐spraying is performed using a dilute solution of TPU/PMHS/SiO2, with fluorine‐free hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles introduced to facilitate the construction of a rough lotus‐leaf‐like surface structure, ultimately obtaining TPU/PMHS/SiO2 WBMs with bead‐on‐string fiber binary structures and a strong water repellency. The results indicate that the TPU/PMHS/SiO2 WBMs comprise a three‐dimensional porous structure formed by randomly arranged fibers and a lotus biomimetic structure consisting of bead‐like fibers, providing the membrane with excellent mechanical properties and waterproof breathability, including a tensile strength of 15.8 MPa, static water pressure of 33 kPa, water vapor transmission rate of 5169 g m−2 d−1, and contact angle of 142°. Additionally, the fiber membrane exhibits an excellent strain recovery after 1000 cycles of cyclic stretching under 100% strain, verifying the excellent elastic properties of the TPU/PMHS/SiO2 WBMs. This simple preparation process and unique composite structure can facilitate the design and preparation of environmentally friendly, waterproof, and breathable materials.

An optimization study focused on lattice structured custom arm casts for fractured bones inspiring additive manufacturing

In case of fractures, cracks or damage to bone tissues, it is important to use casts, fixatives and protective equipment. Especially in cases where long-term use of casts is required, soft tissue wounds may occur in the human body due to their moisture and airtight structure. For this reason, the use of casts with custom designs, breathable materials, and high mechanical properties has become widespread in recent years. This study focuses on the design of custom arm casts using advanced additive manufacturing technologies and lightweight materials. By utilizing Voronoi lattice structures and hexagonal surface meshes, optimized designs adaptable to additive manufacturing were obtained from a standard arm cast. All cast geometries were investigated under 196 N and 380 N forces. Then, the impact of a 100 g and 1000 g concrete piece with a speed of 12.5 m/s on the arm cast was investigated. As a result of the analyzes, stress, impact plate velocities, deformation, strain and deformation energy were evaluated. The results showed that the designed arm casts have up to 60% better impact strength compared to conventional arm casts. Based on the findings of this study, the use of custom arm casts with optimized lattice structures designed for additive manufacturing will demonstrate high performance.

Facile fabrication of durable and breathable superhydrophobic cotton fabric for self-cleaning, UV-blocking, anti-icing, and photothermal de-icing

Facile fabrication of durable and breathable superhydrophobic cotton fabric for self-cleaning, UV-blocking, anti-icing, and photothermal de-icing

Dehydrated Biomimetic Membranes with Skinlike Structure and Function.

Novel vapor-permeable materials are sought after for applications in protective wear, energy generation, and water treatment. Current impermeable protective materials effectively block harmful agents but trap heat due to poor water vapor transfer. Here we present a new class of materials, vapor permeable dehydrated nanoporous biomimetic membranes (DBMs), based on channel proteins. This application for biomimetic membranes is unexpected as channel proteins and biomimetic membranes were assumed to be unstable under dry conditions. DBMs mimic human skin's structure to offer both high vapor transport and small molecule exclusion under dry conditions. DBMs feature highly organized pores resembling sweat pores in human skin, but at super high densities (>1012 pores/cm2). These DBMs achieved exceptional water vapor transport rates, surpassing commercial breathable fabrics by up to 6.2 times, despite containing >2 orders of magnitude smaller pores (1 nm vs >700 nm). These DBMs effectively excluded model biological agents and harmful chemicals both in liquid and vapor phases, again in contrast with the commercial breathable fabrics. Remarkably, while hydrated biomimetic membranes were highly permeable to liquid water, they exhibited higher water resistances after dehydration at values >38 times that of commercial breathable fabrics. Molecular dynamics simulations support our hypothesis that dehydration induced protein hydrophobicity increases which enhanced DBM performance. DBMs hold promise for various applications, including membrane distillation, dehumidification, and protective barriers for atmospheric water harvesting materials.

Breathable and wearable graphene/waterborne polyurethane coated regenerated polyethylene terephthalate fabrics for motion sensing and thermal therapy

The functional utilization of recycled polymers has emerged as a current prominent and timely subject. Flexible wearable devices with high sensitivity to conductivity have garnered significant attention in the fields of human healthcare monitoring and personal heat management. One significant obstacle that needs to be addressed is the simultaneous maintenance of both sensing functionality and durability in composite fabrics. In this paper, a collection of durable, breathable, and flexible smart fabric was produced using the scratch coating method. The fabrics were created by utilizing a regenerated polyethylene terephthalate fabric as a base material, incorporating graphene microsheets (G) as a conductive agent, and applying a waterborne polyurethane layer as a surface protective coating. Furthermore, an investigation was conducted to assess their sensing performance and electrothermal performance. The composite fabric exhibits significant advantages in terms of high conductivity (592 S/m), wide strain range, high sensitivity (Gauge factor = 6.04) and fantabulous dynamic stability (2000 cycles) at a mass ratio of Graphene/WPU loading of 8:2. These sensors were successfully utilized to monitor various degrees of real-time human body movements, ranging from significant deformation bending of elbows to slight deformation swallowing. Furthermore, the sensors also exhibit a significant electric heating effect. Specifically, when a voltage of 10 V is applied, the sensors can reach a steady state temperature of 53.3 °C within a mere 30 s. This discovery holds potential for the development of wearable heaters that can be used for on-demand thermal therapy, functional protective clothing, and medical electric heating wearables.

The rise of sustainable approaches in development of waterproof breathable fabrics for garment: a systematic literature review

PurposeThe aim of this study is to present an overview of sustainable practices in the development of waterproof breathable fabrics for garments. It aims to provide insights into the current state of academic research in this domain and identify and analyze major sustainable trends in the field.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducts a thorough examination of research publications sourced from the Scopus database spanning the years 2013–2023 by employing a systematic approach. The research utilizes both descriptive analysis and content analysis to identify trends, notable journals and leading countries in sustainable waterproof breathable fabric development.FindingsThe study reveals a notable increase in studies focusing on sustainable approaches in the development of waterproof breathable fabrics for garments. Descriptive analysis highlights the most prominent journal and leading country in terms of research volume. Content analysis identifies four key trends: minimizing chemical usage, developing easily degradable materials, creating fabrics promoting health and well-being and initiatives to reduce energy consumption.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this research lies in its exclusive reliance on the Scopus database.Practical implicationsThe insights derived from this study offer practical guidance for prospective researchers interested in investigating sustainable approaches to developing waterproof breathable fabric for garments. The identified trends provide a foundation for aligning research endeavors with contemporary global perspectives, facilitating the integration of sustainable methodologies into the garment industry.Originality/valueThis systematic literature review contributes original insights by synthesizing current research trends and outlining evolving sustainable practices in the development of waterproof breathable fabrics. The identification of key focus areas adds a novel perspective to existing knowledge.

Design guidelines for movement-assistive clothing based on a comprehensive understanding of older adults' needs and preferences.

This study aimed to explore the needs and wants of older adults in the context of movement-assistive clothing (MSC), with a focus on muscle strength and posture correction. A survey was conducted to understand the needs and wants of older adults, considering aspects of functions and designs, and to evaluate the comfort, safety, ease of use, usefulness, and intention of users to purchase and use products. A total of 408 individuals aged > 65 years participated in the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive analyses, such as mean, standard deviation, percentages, Cronbach's alpha, chi-square test, independent t-test, analysis of variance, and regression using IBM SPSS 27.0. Exploratory Factor Analysis was also conducted to test the hypotheses. Open-ended questions were extracted using major themes after color-coding. Based on the results, design recommendations were derived, including the development of pants and innerwear with casual, minimalist styles, featuring achromatic colors, and utilizing stretchy, breathable fabrics. Comfort, safety, ease of use, and usefulness emerged as critical factors influencing the purchase and use of MSC by older adults. This study aimed to establish design guidelines by understanding the needs and wants of older adults and considering the aspects of movement-assistive clothing to relieve musculoskeletal issues. Accordingly, these findings are expected to aid in the creation of wearable suits using flexible fabric artificial muscles for active musculoskeletal correction in older adults.

Recent Advances in Polymer Nanocomposites: Unveiling the Frontier of Shape Memory and Self-Healing Properties-A Comprehensive Review.

Shape memory and self-healing polymer nanocomposites have attracted considerable attention due to their modifiable properties and promising applications. The incorporation of nanomaterials (polypyrrole, carboxyl methyl cellulose, carbon nanotubes, titania nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, mesoporous silica) into these polymers has significantly enhanced their performance, opening up new avenues for diverse applications. The self-healing capability in polymer nanocomposites depends on several factors, including heat, quadruple hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, Diels-Alder reactions, and metal-ligand coordination, which collectively govern the interactions within the composite materials. Among possible interactions, only quadruple hydrogen bonding between composite constituents has been shown to be effective in facilitating self-healing at approximately room temperature. Conversely, thermo-responsive self-healing and shape memory polymer nanocomposites require elevated temperatures to initiate the healing and recovery processes. Thermo-responsive (TRSMPs), light-actuated, magnetically actuated, and Electrically actuated Shape Memory Polymer Nanocomposite are discussed. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of interactions involved in SMP and SHP nanocomposites and examines their behavior at both room temperature and elevated temperature conditions, along with their biomedical applications. Among many applications of SMPs, special attention has been given to biomedical (drug delivery, orthodontics, tissue engineering, orthopedics, endovascular surgery), aerospace (hinges, space deployable structures, morphing aircrafts), textile (breathable fabrics, reinforced fabrics, self-healing electromagnetic interference shielding fabrics), sensor, electrical (triboelectric nanogenerators, information energy storage devices), electronic, paint and self-healing coating, and construction material (polymer cement composites) applications.

Biomimetic and Durably Superhydrophobic Nanofibrous Membranes for High‐Performance Waterproof and Breathable Textiles

AbstractMan‐made superhydrophobic membranes are of interest for various applications in energy, environment, and medical fields. However, simultaneously achieving durable superhydrophobicity, robust waterproofness, and high breathability of the membranes is still challenging. Herein, an efficient and powerful strategy is reported to create superhydrophobic membranes with perdurable liquid repellency and robust breathability via combining humidity‐induced electrospinning with coat‐crosslinking technology. The micro/nano rough structure is in situ constructed based on manipulating the phase separation of electrospun jets; meanwhile, the waterborne acrylic resins are bridged to the surface of nanofiber to endow the membranes with stable low surface energy via coating and crosslinking treatment. Eventually, the resultant membranes present superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of ≈154°, good self‐cleaning and anti‐icing properties, robust waterproofness of 83.4 kPa, and high breathability of 3.71 kg m−2 d−1. More interestingly, the nanomaterials can maintain durable superhydrophobicity even after exposure to various severe conditions. The successful creation of high‐performance superhydrophobic membranes opens a new avenue for synthesizing advanced functional materials for application in a variety of fields.