Towards superhydrophobic and ultraviolet protective nylon fabrics
International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology
ISSN: 0955-6222
Article publication date: 4 September 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to prepare coloured superhydrophobic and ultraviolet (UV) protective nylon fabrics using nanosilica copper oxide coating.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, brown coloured superhydrophobic nylon fabric exhibiting UV protective properties was prepared by step-wise deposition of silica nanoparticles, copper oxide and sodium stearate. The hydrophobicity of treated fabrics was characterised by water contact angle measurement and UV protection properties of fabric were assessed by Australian/New Zealand Standard. Also, a colouring effect of treatment on nylon fabric was measured using spectrophotometer.
Findings
The modified fabric not only exhibited superhydrophobicity with the water contact angle of 150.6°, but also rendered excellent protection against UV radiation. The fabric showed retention of hydrophobic and UV protection properties up to 20 washing cycles.
Originality/value
A novel method for imparting superhydrophobicity and UV protective properties along with colouration effect on nylon fabrics has been reported. This type of fabric has potential application in the field of protective clothing.
Keywords
Citation
Teli, M. and Annaldewar, B.N. (2017), "Towards superhydrophobic and ultraviolet protective nylon fabrics", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 29 No. 5, pp. 696-705. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCST-02-2017-0013
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited