Abstract:

In order to invent a short process technology of preparing superhydrophobic polyester fabric, polyester faberinlaid with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was prepared under high pressuer at high temperature. The results show that the effects of PDMS inlay on the surface of polyester can endow the fabric superhydrophobicity, the water contact angle (WCA), sliding angle (SA) and spray rating can reach 163.4o, 7.0o and 5 degree, respectively. Moreover, the modified fabric has excellent laundering durability. Through the scanning electron microscope (SEM) graphs, it shows that the edges and corners of modified polyester fiber are much vaguer than that of the untreated polyester fiber and the surface becomes roughness because of the effect of inlay finishing. The result of infrared spectrum analysis indicates that PDMS has successfully inlaid into the framework of polyester fiber. According to the analysis of X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), the main structure of polyester fiber is almost not damaged in the treating process, the bending stiffness and whiteness remain well, and the elasticity increases slightly, while the breaking strength declines a little. Thus, the method is with short process, low cost and excellent effect, and has a good application prospect.

Key words: polydimethylsiloxane, inlay, polyester fabric, superhydrophobic finishing