Green and sustainable fabrication of a durable superhydrophobic cotton fabric with self-cleaning properties

The use of more toxic reagents in the finishing of superhydrophobic cotton fabrics is one of the main factors that limit the application of the fabrics. Therefore, a green and sustainable method for preparing superhydrophobic cotton fabrics is urgently needed. In this study, a cotton fabric was etched with phytic acid (PA), which can be extracted from plants, effectively improving the surface roughness of the fabric. Subsequently, the treated fabric was coated with epoxidized soybean oil (ESO)-derived thermosets and then covered with stearic acid (STA). The finished cotton fabric exhibited excellent superhydrophobic properties, with a water contact angle of 156.3°. The superhydrophobic coatings of the finished cotton fabric endowed the fabric with excellent self-cleaning properties, irrespective of the liquid pollutant or solid dust. In addition, the inherent properties of the finished fabric were largely retained after the modification. Therefore, the finished cotton fabric with excellent self-cleaning properties has great potential for applications in the household and clothing fields.