TiO2/PDMS hybrid system for constructing superhydrophobic surfaces of cotton fabrics with resistance to droplet adhesion

Purpose This study aims to produce a superhydrophobic fabric surface with a layered rough structure and which are resistant to droplet adhesion. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) systems doped with stearic acid modified titanium dioxide (SA-TiO 2 ) nanoparticles was sprayed onto the surface of cotton fabric. Design/methodology/approach This experiment therefore uses a simple method to prepare superhydrophobic textiles by spraying SA-TiO 2 particles mixed with PDMS onto the surface of cotton fabrics. The effects of the ratio of stearic acid to TiO 2 , spraying times and tension on the apparent morphological structure and hydrophobic properties of the cotton fabric were investigated. Findings The results showed that the stearic acid-modified TiO 2 nanoparticles were hydrophobic and more uniformly dispersed in the PDMS solution. When the modification ratio of stearic acid to TiO 2 was 3:5, the water contact angle of cotton fabric was 155.48° and sliding angle was 6.67° under the applied tension for three times of spraying, showing superhydrophobicity. The fabric shows super hydrophobic and anti-adhesive properties to a wide range of liquids such as cola, dyeing liquids, tea, milk and simulated blood. The surface tension of the liquid shows a negative correlation with its adhesion to the fabric. Research limitations/implications The SA-TiO 2 and PDMS were applied to the fabric surface by spraying, which not only gave the fabric superhydrophobic properties, but also created anti-adhesion to a wide range of droplets. Practical implications The superhydrophobic cotton fabrics prepared by this method showed good anti-adhesive behavior to common stains and simulated blood and can be used in the development of medical protective textiles. Originality/value Modification of TiO 2 with stearic acid to prepare SA-TiO 2 with excellent hydrophobic properties, which was mixed with PDMS to make suspensions. Fluorine-free superhydrophobic fabrics were prepared by spraying method. It also exhibited excellent anti-adhesive properties against blood, providing a reference for the preparation of self-cleaning and anti-adhesive surgical gowns.