Laundering Cycles Research Articles

A facile strategy for in-situ polymerization of P[sbnd]N network coatings for durable flame-retardant cellulose

In this study, a facile method for durable flame-retardant modification of cotton fibers by in situ polymerization of PN macromolecular physical networks is presented. The proposed method employs an in-situ Michael addition reaction to form a durable, cross-linked phosphine oxide network coatings using trivinylphosphine oxide (TVPO) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) for flame retardant finishing within the cotton fibers. The fabrics were treated using dry and steam cross-linking methods, followed by multiple laundering cycles. SEM analysis and surface characterization verified the deposition of phosphine oxide macromolecules on the surface and inside the cellulose fibers. The finished fabrics exhibited significant improvements in flame resistance, as demonstrated VFT and LOI, which could reach up to 32.5 %. Enhanced flame retardancy and durability were further confirmed through TG and CCT, characterized by increasing residue from 7.00 % to 41.33 % and reducing THR from 11.67 MJ/m2 to 0.68 MJ/m2. Moreover, the finishing fabrics had very good wash resistance and can remain flame retardant after 50 wash cycles. Possible decomposition mechanisms of flame-retardant cotton fabrics were explored by analysis of evolved gas during decomposition through TG-FTIR. The results indicated that the proposed flame-retardant system offered an effective, formaldehyde-free solution with excellent performance.

3D Wetting Gradient Janus Sports Bras for Efficient Sweat Removal: A Strategy to Improve Women's Sports Comfort and Health.

Developing Janus fabrics with excellent one-way sweat transport capacity is an attractive way for providing comfort sensation and protecting the health during exercise. In this work, a 3D wetting gradient Janus fabric (3DWGJF) is first proposed to address the issue of excessive sweat accumulation in women's breasts, followed by integration with a sponge pad to form a 3D wetting gradient Janus sports bra (3DWGJSB). The 3D wetting gradient enables the prepared fabric to control the horizontal migration of sweat in one-way mode (x/y directions) and then unidirectionally penetrate downward (z direction), finally keeping the water content on the inner side of 3DWGJF (skin side) at ≈0%. In addition, the prepared 3DWGJF has good water vapor transmittance rate (WVTR: 0.0409gcm-2h-1) and an excellent water evaporation rate (0.4704gh-1). Due to the high adhesion of transfer prints to the fabrics and their excellent mechanical properties, the 3DWGJF is remarkably durable and capable of withstanding over 500 laundering cycles and 400 abrasion cycles. This work may inspire the design and fabrication of next-generation moisture management fabrics with an effective sweat-removal function for women's health.

Evaluating the Impact of Laundering on the Electrical Performance of Wearable Photovoltaic Cells: A Comparative Study of Current Consistency and Resistance

Wearable photovoltaic technology has been prominent in recent years because electronic devices need to be powered continuously without reliance on traditional methods. However, the practical adoption of wearable PV cells is hindered by the need for laundering, potentially degrading performance. This research compared PV cells’ maximum current and electrical resistance before and after laundering testing conditions. This study used eight samples of two types of PV panel cells and laundered them up to five cycles. The current and electrical resistance values were recorded before and after each laundering cycle. This study analyzed the data using a paired sample t-test and MANOVA. It was found that laundering cycles significantly affected the current values in both types of samples, with no differential impact between the types; on the other hand, laundering cycles did not significantly affect the electrical resistance values in both types of samples, with no differential impact between the types. These results are crucial for industries developing textile-based PV panels, where maintaining electrical performance after laundering is essential. These findings could pave the way for more sustainable, self-powered wearable PV technologies, ultimately transforming how users interact with electronic devices daily.

Phytic acid-induced durable fire-proof and hydrophobic complex coating for versatile cotton fabrics

To address the current development requirements for multifunctional cotton fabrics, a phytic acid-induced flame-retardant hydrophobic coating containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and silicon (Si) was grafted on the surface of cotton fabrics using a facile step-by-step immersion method. The limiting oxygen index value improved to 31.2 %, decreasing to 26.7 % after 50 laundering cycles, while the fabric remained self-extinguishing effect in the vertical flammability test and showed a water contact angle of 126.1°. Cone calorimetry test showed that the modified fabric could not be ignited at the irradiation heat flux of 35 kW/m2. When the irradiation heat flux was raised to 50 kW/m2, there was a significant decline in the peak heat release rate of the modified cotton fabric, which decreased by 43.2 % to a remarkably low value of 114.0 kW/m2, indicating excellent flame-retardant properties. The analysis of the flame-retardant mechanism uncovered that the modified coating exhibited a significant dual flame-retardant mechanism involving both the gaseous phase and the condensed phase. Additionally, the oil-water separation tests revealed that the separation efficiency of the modified cotton fabrics was as high as 97.1 % and remained around 96 % after 10 cycles, which made them reusable for the clean-up of hazardous chemicals.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL MODIFICATION OF COTTON FABRIC FOR ANTIMICROBIAL, FLAME-RETARDANT AND OLEOPHOBIC PROPERTIES

In recent times, the investigation and development of multifunctional textiles have become a necessity for the textile and apparel industries. Therefore, this paper explores an innovative approach to enhancing the functional properties of cotton (cellulosic) fabric by integrating advanced technologies to impart oleophobic/hydrophobic, flame-retardant, and antibacterial characteristics. The methodology involves systematically applying chemical treatments utilizing a layer-by-layer finishing technique to achieve the desired multifunctionality in cotton fabric. Silver nanoparticles and a phosphorus-nitrogen-based synergistic flame-retarding agent were employed to finish the fabric. Performance testing encompasses evaluating bacterial reduction, contact angle measurements, water absorption properties, flame-retardant capabilities, and Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI). Characterization techniques such as FTIR, SEM, and EDX analysis, were carried out to assess structural and chemical modifications of the material. The results illustrate a notable transformation of the cellulosic fabric, showcasing enhanced resistance to bacterial attack, improved stain resistance, and heightened flame-retardant performance, without compromising its color indices and air permeability. The fabric retains these multifunctional attributes even after 20 cycles of laundering, which confers durability. The implications of this research extend the application of conventional cotton fabric in diverse sectors, including apparel, home furnishings, and industrial textiles.

Sustainable lignosulfonate-modified PA6.6 fabrics to improve durable flame retardancy, hydrophilicity and mechanical performance

Creating durable flame retardancy, enhanced mechanical performance, and hydrophilic polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6) textiles via cost-effectiveness from sustainable renewable sources is a considerable challenge. This study introduces a pretreatment process involving the application of sodium lignosulfonate (LS) to the surface of PA6.6 fabrics, thereby enhancing their hydrophilic and flame-retardant properties. Subsequently, a layer-by-layer (LbL) nanocoating treatment is employed, utilizing renewable polyelectrolytes—chitosan (CS), LS, and poly (sodium phosphate) (PSP)—to create 8-bilayer (BL) and 4-quarda layer (QL) structures that further improve the hydrophilicity and durable flame resistance of PA6.6 fabrics. The combined LS-modified and LbL coatings notably increased the limiting oxygen index (LOI) values from 19.5 % to 22.5 %, eliminated melt dripping, and secured a V-1 rating in the vertical burning (UL-94) tests. Moreover, the treated fabrics exhibited a 43 % reduction in the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and a lower fire growth rate (FGR) of 0.84 W/g·s, with a significant increase in char yield% in both air and nitrogen (N2) atmospheres. A cross-linked network structure is responsible for the superior hydrophilicity, enhanced tensile strength, and fabric softening properties. The self-crosslinking of sulfur-containing radicals with amide units ensures an anti-dripping performance that can withstand up to 30 home laundering cycles, demonstrating remarkable washing durability. However, a convincing approach has been developed for sustainable and high-performance materials for the textile industry, and a simple LbL technique using renewable polyelectrolytes that have traditionally been utilized in water treatment and food processing has been developed.

Anti-flammable, anti-fouling, anti-bacterial treatment of cotton fabrics with MOF-based hybrid coatings for highly efficient oil-water separation

A flame-retardant and hydrophobic coating was deposited on the surface of the cotton fabric via a two-step spray deposition technique. Specifically, the coating was composed of flame-retardant component (guanidine phosphate) and hydrophobic components (Ti-MOF and bis(3-aminopropyl)-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)) and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the coated cotton fabrics increased from 18.0 % to 32.0 % (15#) and 26.5 % (15#-Ti-PDMS) relative to that of the original cotton fabric, and the coated cotton fabrics also self-extinguished in the UL-94 flammability test. Compared with that of the original cotton fabric, the PHRR of the coated fabrics was significantly lower, reaching 80 %. The coated cotton fabrics (15# and 15#-Ti-PDMS) had good antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In addition, 15#-Ti-PDMS had high hydrophobicity, good washing and abrasion resistance and good water-oil separation performance. Its water contact angle was 146°. The water contact angle remained above 130° after 10 laundering cycles and 50 scratch cycles. Even under strongly acidic and strongly basic conditions, the water-oil separation efficiency of 15#-Ti-PDMS was greater than 99 %, and it was still greater than 90 % after 10 cycles. Therefore, a simple and effective method for preparing flame-retardant, hydrophobic and antibacterial cotton fabric was developed.

Construction of a β-cyclodextrin-based colloid containing silicon, phosphorus and nitrogen components: Toward enhancing flame retardancy of flax fabrics

Natural cellulose fabrics, as one of the combustibles prone to causing indoor fires, are modified with flame retardants encouraged by the fire protection industry. Herein, a bio-based colloid named ASDPC was prepared by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, diethylenetriaminepentakis(methylphosphonic acid) and β-cyclodextrin, and used to enhance the flame retardancy of flax fabrics via the pad-dry-cure method. The treated flax fabrics named ASDPC-FF showed good flame retardancy with a damaged length of only 6.4 cm in the vertical burning test and a limiting oxygen index value of up to 33.8 %. Meanwhile, ASDPC-FF exhibited thermal stability and combustion behavior distinct from untreated flax fabrics. Thermogravimetric analysis presented that the char residue produced by ASDPC-FF at 800 °C was as high as 36.2 %. Cone calorimetry test indicated that the peak heat release rate and total heat release of ASDPC-FF decreased by approximately 89.0 % and 35.7 %, respectively. Furthermore, compared to untreated flax fabrics, condensed-phase and gas-phase studies found that ASDPC-FF turned into expanded char and produced fewer gaseous volatiles containing C-H, CO and C-O-C at high temperatures. More importantly, ASDPC-FF remained self-extinguishing after 25 laundering cycles with flame retardancy surpassing untreated flax fabrics. In summary, this work provides a novel route for expanding the manufacture of flame-retardant flax fabrics.

A high-efficiency and durable flame retardant for cotton fabrics: Ammonium ethyl acryloylphosphoramidate

The ammonium ethyl acryloylphosphoramidate (AEA) was synthesized by acrylamide, ethanolamine, and phosphorus oxychloride; the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were applied to analyze the structure of AEA molecule. Using the dip-cure process to treat raw cotton (RC) with AEA flame retardant, the finished fabric had excellent flame retardancy. The cone calorimeter, thermogravimetric, FTIR, and vertical flame tests illustrated finished fabrics underwent synergistic and condensed-phase flame retardation. The finished fabric also had excellent durability, and the higher the sealing degree of phosphorus atoms, the higher the durability. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of RC-AEA3-20 (raw cotton finished with 20 wt% AEA3) reached 45.4 %. However, the LOI only dropped to 34.9 % after 50 laundering cycles under the AATCC 61–2013 3 A standard. The excellent durability and FTIR analyses of finished fabrics suggested that the –N–P(=O)–O–C– covalent bond was formed between flame retardant and cellulose. This covalent bond exhibited a p–π conjugation effect, enhancing the stability of –N–P(=O)–O–C– bond, improving the durability of finished fabrics. In conclusion, adding reactive groups into flame retardants, like CH2=CH– and –N–P(=O)–O−NH4+, could increase the durability of finished cotton fabrics.

Antimicrobial coating of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles on surgical fabric and surgical blade to prevent nosocomial infections

In this study, biologically synthesized AgNPs were found to be effective against six hospital prevalent bacterial species (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis). AgNPs were deposited on the fabric and surgical blades using layer-by-layer and electrochemical deposition methods, respectively. The coated objects were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray. Coated fabric samples and blades when tested against six above mentioned bacterial species were found to be effective for all of them. Antibiofilm activity of AgNPs coated blade and fabric was tested against P. aeruginosa and SEM images of post-treated fabrics and blades showed clear bacterial cell distortion and inhibition. Furthermore, washing durability test revealed that AgNPs were strongly attached to the surface of fabric even after 20 cycles of hospital laundering. This unlocks the way to several technologically relevant applications of AgNPs coated surfaces to reduce the risks of nosocomial infections and as a proof of concept; we demonstrated efficient antibacterial properties of AgNPs coated cotton fabric and surgical blades.

Self-crosslinking phosphorus-containing durable flame retardants for cotton fabrics

The phosphorus-containing flame retardant that can enter the interior of cotton fiber and has self-crosslinking ability was designed and synthesized. The flame retardant contains two components, 2-(1-(dimethoxy phosphoryl)-2,5, 8-Triazectridecyl) phosphonate starch (PTPS) and 4-(hydroxymethyl)-10-((3-((5-(hydroxymethyl)-10-((3-((tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphonio)methyl)ureido)methyl)-2,6,8,12,14,18-hexaaza-4,10,16-Triphosphanonadecane (BPTP). The structure of PTPS and BPTP were detected by NMR and FTIR, and the results showed that the synthesis of PTPS and BPTP was successful. During the treatment, cellulose was first endowed with -NH groups. Then PTPS molecule and BPTP molecule were grafted onto cellulose through the reaction of P-CH2OH groups and -NH groups. After 50 laundering cycles (NFPA2112–2012 standard), the limiting oxygen indexes (LOIs) of the fabrics treated with 35 wt% CFN-PB and 30 wt% CFN-PB were 28.80% and 27.30%, respectively, and passed the vertical flame test (VFT). Compared with the raw cotton, the peak heat release rate (PHRR), the total heat rate (THR) and the flame growth rate (FGR) of the CNF-PB treatment fabric were reduced by 62.90 %, 29.43 % and 62.91 % respectively. These indicate that the flame retardant PB could be firmly fixed on the fibers and show good flame retardancy durability. In the VFT, and cone calorimetry test, the CFN-PB treated fabric showed the condensed phase flame retardant mechanism.

Flame retardant and mechanically enhanced polyacrylonitrile fibers prepared by amination and phosphorylation

To improve the flame retardancy of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, PAN fibers were firstly modified through amination with diethylenetriamine (DETA) to obtain ammoniated PAN fibers (A-PAN). Then, A-PAN underwent phosphorylation modification via phosphorus-containing flame retardant, i.e., tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate (THPS) to fabricate flame retardant PAN fibers (THPS-A-PAN). XPS and FTIR confirmed the covalent bonding of DETA and THPS with PAN fibers. TGA showed improved thermal stability, particularly in increased char residue at high temperatures. The modified PAN fibers exhibited enhanced flame retardancy in vertical burning tests and MCC analysis, with LOI values increasing from 17% to 32.5% and maintaining at 26.5% after 30 laundering cycles (LCs). Fire safety parameters such as heat release capacity (HRC), total heat release (THR), and the fire growth index (FGI) decreased by 51.5%, 46.9%, and 41.9%, respectively. In addition, the tensile strength and elongation at break of THPS-A-PAN increased from 2.69 cN/dtex and 28.6% to 3.08 cN/dtex and 30.1% respectively, indicating enhanced mechanical properties. This work develops a feasible strategy to improve the flame retardancy of PAN fibers while endowing them with reinforced mechanical properties, which provides a possible research direction for the practical application of flame retardant PAN fibers.

Preparation of bio-based and phosphorus-free functional coatings for flame retardant, UV-resistance and antibacterial silk fabric

To endow silk with multifunctionality and expand its application fields, the silk fabric was treated with protocatechualdehyde to prepare a novel silk fabric with Schiff base structure (CAT@Silk). Then, CAT@Silk was immersed in iron (III) solution to chelate Fe3+ to obtain flame retardant, antibacterial and UV-resistant silk fabric (CAT@Fe@Silk). Compared with the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of the original silk, the CAT@Fe@Silk increased from 23.3 % to 35.1 %, and remained 32.4 % even after 20 laundering cycles (LCs), indicating excellent flame retardant durability. The UV protection coefficient of CAT@Fe@Silk was 67.74, which was higher than that of the original sample (21.02). In addition, CAT@Fe@Silk had good antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). This work constructed a dynamic cross-linking network that mimicked the adhesion of mussels generating from the complexation of catechol groups and Fe3+ ions (catechol-Fe3+), which not only endowed silk fabric with good flame retardancy, but also with UV resistance and antibacterial properties, demonstrating good potential application.

A bio-based durable reactive flame retardant for cotton fabric based on lentinan

Cotton fabric has extensive application due to its comfort and breathability. However, the inherent flammability limits its wide application. Durable polysaccharide-based flame retardants with a low impact on the softness of fabrics are rarely reported. In this work, a novel flame retardant ammonium phosphate of lentinan (APLNT) was synthesized and grafted on the surface of cotton fabric. The treated cotton fabric had a high limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 43.3 % and passed the vertical burning test (VBT) with a 21.1 % weight gain of APLNT. Compared with control cotton, the peak heat release rate and total heat release values of Cotton-APLNT2 decreased by 92.8 % and 50.9 %, respectively. In addition, the cotton fabric still passed the VBT and kept an LOI value of 27.0 % even after 50 laundering cycles, indicating that the fabric can be used for daily needs. More importantly, the treated fabric remains soft. This research provided a new strategy for preparing bio-based durable flame retardant cotton fabrics.

Asymmetric ionic bond shielding encountering with carboxylate capturing metal ions for enhancing the flame retardant durability of regenerated cellulose fibers

Enhancing the flame retardancy and durability of cellulose fibers, particularly environmentally friendly regenerated cellulose fibers types like Lyocell fibers, is essential for advancing their broader application. This study introduced a novel approach to address this challenge. Cationic-modified Lyocell fibers (Lyocell@CAT) were prepared by introducing quaternary ammonium structures into the molecular chain of Lyocell fibers. Simultaneously, a flame retardant, APA, containing -COO−NH4+ and -P=O(O−NH4+)2 groups was synthesized. APA was then covalently bonded to Lyocell@CAT to prepare Lyocell@CAT@APA. Even after undergoing 30 laundering cycles (LCs), Lyocell@CAT@APA maintained a LOI value of 37.2 %, exhibiting outstanding flame retardant durability. The quaternary ammonium structure within Lyocell@CAT@APA formed asymmetric ionic bonds with the phosphate and carboxylate groups in APA, effectively shielding the binding of Na+ ions with phosphate groups during laundering, thereby enhancing the durability. Additionally, the consumption of Na+ ions by carboxylate groups further prevented their binding to phosphate groups, which contributed to enhance the durability properties. Flame retardant mechanism analysis revealed that both gas and condensed phase synergistically endowed excellent flame retardancy to Lyocell fibers. Overall, this innovative strategy presented a promising prospect for developing bio-safe, durable, and flame retardant cellulose textiles.

Wearable, Machine Washable, Breathable Polyethylenimine/Sodium Alginate Layer-by-Layer-Coated Cotton-Based Multifunctional Triboelectric Nanogenerators.

Cotton-based textiles are ubiquitous in daily life and are prime candidates for application in wearable triboelectric nanogenerators. However, pristine cotton is vulnerable to bacterial attack, lacks antioxidant and ultraviolet (UV)-protective abilities, and shows lower triboelectric charge generation against tribonegative materials because it is present in the neutral region of the triboelectric series. To overcome such drawbacks, herein, a facile layer-by-layer method is proposed, involving the deposition of alternate layers of polyethylenimine (PEI) and sodium alginate (SA) on cotton. Such modified fabric remains breathable and flexible, retains its comfort properties, and simultaneously shows multifunctionalities and improved triboelectric output, which are retained even after 50 home laundering cycles. Also, the modified fabric becomes more tribopositive than nylon, silk, and wool. A triboelectric nanogenerator consisting of modified cotton and polyester fabric is proposed that shows a maximum power density of 338 mW/m2. An open-circuit voltage of ∼97.3 V and a short-circuit current of ∼4.59 μA are obtained under 20 N force and 1 Hz tapping frequency. Further, the modified cotton exhibits excellent antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV-protective properties because of the incorporation of PEI, and its moisture management properties are retained due to the presence of sodium alginate in the layer. This study provides a simple yet effective approach to obtaining durable multifunctionalities and improved triboelectric performance in cotton substrates.

B/P/N flame retardant based on diboraspiro rings groups for improving the flame retardancy, char formation properties and thermal stability of cotton fabrics

Developing flame retardant cotton fabrics (CF) is crucial for minimizing the harm caused by fires to people. To improve the flame retardancy of CF, this paper has synthesized a novel flame retardant called diboraspiro tetra phosphonate ammonium salt (N-PDBDN). The structure of N-PDBDN has been analyzed using FT-IR and NMR. Treating CF with N-PDBDN can increase the limiting oxygen index (LOI) to 36.2 % with a weight gain of 10.1 %. Moreover, even after undergoing 50 laundering cycles (LCs), the LOI remains at 27.1 %, indicating good flame retardancy and durability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) show the presence of P and N elements on N-PDBDN treated CF, suggesting successful bonding between N-PDBDN and cellulose. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results demonstrate that the addition of N-PDBDN significantly enhances the thermal stability and carbon formation ability of CF. Furthermore, cone calorimetry tests reveal reduced heat release rates (HRR), prolonged time to ignition (TTI), and 38 % lower total heat release (THR) in CF treated with N-PDBDN compared with pure cotton. Finally, a potential flame retardant mechanism involving N-PDBDN is proposed. These findings indicate that incorporating an ammonium phosphate group into CF can effectively improve the flame retardancy and durability.

Bio-based phytic acid/amino acid complex coating for antimicrobial and flame-retardant cotton fabrics

Here, a novel multifunctional coating containing bio-based phytic acid (PA), L-glutamic acid (L-Glu), and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) is constructed by a simple soaking strategy, giving cotton fabrics excellent flame retardancy, washability, and antibacterial properties. The coating layer on the cotton surface was prepared via the electrostatic and hydrogen bonding between PA and L-Glu, accompanied by the interface polymerization between PA, L-Glu, and TMC. Among them, the limiting oxygen index value of the treated cotton fabrics (C2 and C2-TMC) was as high as 40 %. During the vertical flammability test, both C2 and C2-TMC cotton showed self-extinguished behavior with a short damaged length (≤50 mm). Remarkably, the LOI of C2-TMC sustained a high value (30 %) even after 300 laundering cycles, maintaining its self-extinguishing behavior in the vertical combustion test. Additionally, in the cone calorimetry test, peak heat release rate and total heat release of treated cotton were lower than control cotton. Surprisingly, after 30 or 60 laundering cycles, the C2-TMC cotton exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans due to the continuous exposure of PA and L-Glu. Moreover, the coating layer on the cotton surface had little impact on the mechanical properties and feel of the fabric.

Janus outdoor protective clothing with unidirectional moisture transfer, antibacterial, and mosquito repellent properties

Personal protective clothing with versatile and durable features is highly desirable for daily and specific environmental scenarios. Especially for outdoor workers or sports enthusiasts, prolonged outdoor exposure requires their clothing to be more functional to cope with a wide range of situations, such as heat stress in summer, odor generation after sweating, and mosquito bites. These not only reduce the wearing comfort of clothing, but also bring potential heat stroke, skin infections and diseases brought by mosquitoes. Currently, most outdoor protective clothes focus on a single function, such as waterproofing and UV protection and are not able to cope with the demand of multiple protections. In this paper, we developed permethrin-containing triblock cationic polymers (PTCPs) that can multi-functionalize outdoor clothing. Benefiting from their high affinity to polyester fibers, PTCP modified polyester yarns were obtained by an aqueous based finishing process. After that, a scalable machine-knitting fabrication technique is employed to fabricate Janus outdoor protective clothes (Janus-OPC). The as-prepared Janus-OPC exhibited excellent one-way moisture transfer properties (forward cumulative one-way transfer index (OWTI) of 924.23%, and backward OWTI of −690.52%), antimicrobial properties (97.73% and 99.72% against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively), and mosquito repellent properties (repelling rate of 76.19%). Moreover, the protective performance of the Janus-OPC was maintained after 50 times of equivalent home laundering cycles. This multifunctional protective clothing opens up a new direction for the next-generation outdoor wear.

Hierarchical nanoengineered emulsion with robust adhesion enables superior self-cleaning cotton fabrics

Self-cleaning treatment is of vital importance for the practical application of functional cotton fabrics. However, developing highly efficient, eco-friendly, and durable hydrophobic and oleophobic treatment agents still remains a great challenge. Herein, inspired by the design of the inorganic–organic nanonetwork, we successfully synthesized a novel core–shell structured emulsion of nano-SiO2/fluorine-silicon polyacrylate through semi-continuous emulsion polymerization. The introduction of long-chain alkyl methacrylate octadecyl ester within the shell phase results in a more organized arrangement of fluorine atoms on the surface of cotton fabrics, leading to a rapid reduction in the surface free energy of latex film. The sample is optimized with 20 wt% dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate and 1 wt% SiO2. The nanoengineered emulsion exhibits strong adhesion and effectively transforms the hydrophilic cotton fabrics into hydrophobic (143.2°) and oleophobic (121.6°) materials. Besides, the self-cleaning characteristic can withstand 25 laundering cycles and 800 abrasion cycles with enhanced robustness. This work opens up a pathway to develop effective, green but long-lasting amphiphobic agents for functional fabrics and sustainable textiles.