Hydrophobic and oleophilic 3D weft-knitted spacer fabrics coated by silica aerogels with five different concentrations

Abstract

Silica aerogels were made from tetraethylorthosilicate by the sol-gel method and coated on the 3D weft-knitted spacer fabrics (WKSFs) to compare the interaction of the silica aerogel coating with five various concentrations. SEM, FTIR-ATR, surface roughness, surface energy, and BET analysis were used to observe and characterize the surface morphology, molecular interaction, surface changes, surface tension, and specific surface area of fabric samples or sorbents. Consequently, this study investigated the wettability, oil absorption capacity, oil retention capacity, and reusability of untreated and treated 3D WKSF sorbents. The outcomes exposed the excellent hydrophobic and oleophilic properties of all treated 3D WKSF sorbents, showing a greater water contact angle of 145.1 ± 0.42°, and an oil absorption and retention capacity of (7.87 ± 0.09 g/g and 7.53 ± 0.06 g/g) and (89.98 ± 0.79% and 92.48 ± 0.56%) for vegetable oil and engine oil, respectively, with notable reusability, most particularly for sorbent 5, due to the higher silica aerogel add-on %, pore diameter, and pore volume. The findings verified that the chemical composition and fabric structure played an important role in the tremendous hydrophobic and oleophilic behavior. The statistical study on specific surface area, pore diameter, pore volume, surface roughness, water contact angle, oil contact angle, oil absorption capacity, and oil retention capacity also revealed that treated fabrics performed significantly ( p < 0.05) in hydrophobic and oleophilic features at the 0.05 level. Hence, these fabrics can be used in industrial usages that need hydrophobic and oleophilic qualities.

Study on thermal, mechanical, and wettability properties of three-dimensional weft-knitted spacer fabrics with various silica aerogels coating

“…This was due to the higher add-on percentage of SAs, pore diameter, pore volume, and specific surface area of coated 3D WKSFs (CS 5 > CS 4 > CS 3 > CS 2 > CS 1). 39 Furthermore, the thermal conductivity values of (SA þ PVA) coated 3D WKSFs were higher than SAcoated 3D WKSFs. On the other hand, the thermal resistance values of (SA þ PVA) coated 3D WKSFs were lower than SA coated 3D WKSFs.…”

“…Additionally, SA and S1. 39 Hence, it produced the lowest values of thermal, mechanical, and oleophilic properties.…”

“…By following the same process, five dissimilar concentrations of SAs were made in this research study. 39 On the other hand, three steps were used to prepare a 5 wt.% PVA solution in clean water. 13 Before stirring, the preferred amount of PVA was allowed to soak and swell in the water.…”

“…36 Once thermal insulation, strength, bending, compression, elasticity, hydrophobicity, oleophilicity, stability, functionality, and price are key concerns, these 3D WKSFs are a suitable option. [37][38][39][40] These 3D fabrics are also treated as eco-friendly sorbent materials. Furthermore, these 3D fabrics perform better in several areas as a multifunctional textile material than nonwoven, woven, and conventional knitted fabrics.…”

Effect of Silicone Modifier on the Physical Properties of Flexible Silica Aerogels

“…It has a particle size that is smaller than the wavelength of visible light [12]. Moreover, to be classified as aerogel, it has to be of ultra-low density (porosity of >99%), making it a favorable material in thermal insulation [13], catalyst [14], chemical adsorption and absorption [15], chemical sensors [16], dielectric material [17], and medical applications (i.e., Drug delivery) [18].…”