Mechanically Robust and Flame-Retardant Superhydrophobic Textiles with Anti-Biofouling Performance

The attachment of bio-fluids to surfaces promotes the transmission of diseases. Superhydrophobic textiles may offer significant advantages for reducing the adhesion of bio-fluids. However, they have not yet found widespread use because dried remnants adhere strongly and have poor mechanical or chemical robustness. In addition, with the massive use of polymer textiles, features such as fire and heat resistance can reduce the injuries and losses suffered by people in a fire accident. We developed a superhydrophobic textile covered with a hybrid coating of titanium dioxide and polydimethylsiloxane (TiO₂/PDMS). Such a textile exhibits low adhesion to not only bio-fluids but also dry blood. Compared to a hydrophilic textile, the peeling force of the coated textile on dried blood is 20 times lower. The textile's superhydrophobicity survives severe treatment by sandpaper (400 mesh) at high pressure (8 kPa) even if some of its microstructures break. Furthermore, the textile shows excellent heat resistance (350 °C) and flame-retardant properties as compared to those of the untreated textile. These benefits can greatly inhibit the flame spread and reduce severe burns caused by polymer textiles adhering to the skin when melted at high temperatures.