Functionalization of cotton fabrics with highly durable polysiloxane–TiO2 hybrid layers: potential applications for photo-induced water–oil separation, UV shielding, and self-cleaning

摘要: Using a facile strategy to prepare multifunctional cotton fabrics with switchable superhydrophobicity–superhydrophilicity, UV-resistance, photo-induced water–oil separation, and self-cleaning properties is an important urgent issue in the sustainable development of natural fibers. Herein, new type surface modified fabric polysiloxane–TiO2 hybridized coating (Cot-g-PMAPS/TiO2) was prepared through radiation-induced graft polymerization sol–gel technology. The composed two sub-layers: inner part consisting organic–inorganic hybrid layer address self-degradation TiO2-loaded polymeric materials while simultaneously improving adhesion TiO2 film its support, outer nanocrystalline anatase endow multifunctionality. influence on structure integrated performance Cot-g-PMAPS/TiO2 systematically studied. results showed that improved UV absorption capacity 5.6-fold compared untreated fabric. In addition, retention break strength 95.6% after 192 h irradiation. Since chemically bound fibers, possesses long-term stability, ultra-high durability, robustness. After 20 commercial or domestic launderings, intensity WCAs were almost same as those newly fabricated material. also exhibits separation based superhydrophobicity–superhydrophilicity photoactivity TiO2. This study provides interesting insight into design novel functional material controllable structure.