Polyurethane cum hydrophobic finishing of acrylic fabrics for enhanced comfort characteristics

Abstract

Purpose The paper aims to improve the protective and comfort properties of both woven and knitted acrylic fabrics by applying a hybrid waterborne polyurethane/fluorocarbon hydrophobic finish. Design/methodology/approach In this study, it was found that the transportation of water from fabrics is one of the important textile parameters. To improve this property, a polyurethane-based finish (Dicrylan BSRN®) and an oil- and water-repellent finish (Oleophobol ZSR®) were applied by using the pad-dry-cure method. After applying the finishes, the resultant fabric samples were investigated for various textile properties. Findings The application of Oleophobol ZSR® increased the absorbency time, indicating that the fabric became hydrophobic, whereas the application of Dicrylan BSRN® finish improved the moisture management properties of the woven acrylic. The tensile strength of the woven acrylic fabric was not significantly affected by the application of these finishes. The contact angle of treated knitted fabrics increased and air permeability decreased with an increase in the concentration of Oleophobol ZSR®. Practical implications Moisture management is one of the crucial performance criteria in today’s apparel industry. Therefore, fluorochemicals are one of the major precursors used in water-repellent finishes and waterproof membranes in outdoor garments. Based on this fact, this research work focused on the textile sector, where moisture management is required. Originality/value This is the first report about the combined application of waterborne polyurethane and fluorochemical-based finishes on acrylic fabrics to tune their comfort and hydrophobic properties.

Smart Textiles Coated with Eco-Friendly UV-Blocking Nanoparticles Derived from Natural Resources

“…In recent times, a variety of nanocomposite-based textile products have been studied for flame-retardant, wettability, and sustainable UV-blocking applications. − Recent research focuses on the development of functional textiles using polymeric materials or biomolecules. ,, In this regard, attempts have been made to incorporate nanoparticles in fabrics, which may be readily achieved with a specific polymer using some coating techniques, such as pad-dry cure method, dip coating, in situ polymerization method, knife over roll method, etc.…”

“…2−5 Recent research focuses on the development of functional textiles using polymeric materials or biomolecules. 4,6,29 In this regard, attempts have been made to incorporate nanoparticles in fabrics, which may be readily achieved with a specific polymer using some coating techniques, such as pad-dry cure method, 30 dip coating, 31 in situ polymerization method, 32 knife over roll method, 33 Herein, polyurethane (PU), which exhibits excellent adhesion quality, is used to coat the surface of the fabrics. Attempts have been made to surface-coat the CF with various nanomaterials like Ag/TiO 2 , 3232 graphene, 34 TiO 2 , 6 and diammonium hydrogen phosphate 35 for electrical conductivity, UV blocking, antibacterial effect, flame-retardant property, etc.…”

Synthesis and Property of an Organosilicon Polyurethane Acrylate Prepolymer Containing Disulfide Bonds for Photopolymerization

“…[7,8] Photocurable organosilicon polyurethane acrylate materials combine the merits of both polyurethane and organosilicon, and thus they are currently favored in the field of photocuring and have been widely used in coatings, inks, adhesives, medical materials, and other fields. [9][10][11] Cheng et al [12] prepared a series of UV curable polysiloxane-polyether block polyurethane acrylate prepolymers for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leather finishing agents,and the prepolymers have excellent photopolymerization properties and weather resistance. Zhang et al [13] designed and synthesized a series of waterborne UV curable polydimethylsiloxane-based polyurethane prepolymers with excellent hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties.…”

Development of non-fluorine superhydrophobic textiles using polypropylene resins

“…In developing such superhydrophobic surfaces, there should be no considerable changes in functional properties, such as tensile strength, air permeability, stiffness, crease recovery and comfort. [23][24][25] This study aims to develop human-friendly nonfluorine superhydrophobic textiles using PP resins, which have an inherent low surface energy. By applying a nano-sized PP structure on the micro-sized fabric surface via non-solvent-induced phase separation, it was expected that dual roughness would be formed, and the surface energy would also decrease.…”