Abstract:

In order to increase the dispersion of nanoparticle and the bonding force between the inorganic nanoparticles and polyester fabric cloth, nano-sized SiO2 was modified by 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane. The superhydrophobic polyester fabric were fabricated by immersing filter cloth in a solution consisting of modified SiO2. The morphology and microstructure, chemical structures and element composition of the fklter cloth were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. After coating, the surface of the fabrics is wrapped by compact silicone resin of low surface free enery and shows rough micro/nano structure, which endows the fabrics with superhydrophobicity, so the water contact angle of the coated fabrics even up to 156°.  The superhydrophobicity of fabrics is durable in solvents. When the fabrics immersed in organic solvents for over 72 h, the water contact angle only reduced by 1~4°. The high strength and the superhydrophobicity/superoleophilicity make the fabrics showing promising prosperity in oil-water separation.

Key words: ruperhydrophobic polyester fabric, oil-water separation, micro/nanoscale structure, nano-sized SiO2