The study of hydrophobicity and oleophilicity of 3D weft-knitted spacer fabrics integrated with silica aerogels

Abstract

The interest in multifunctional textile materials has been increased due to the health and safety measures of living beings, especially in severe conditions. Therefore, this study investigated the hydrophobicity, oil sorption capacity, and bending properties of untreated or uncoated and treated or coated 3D weft-knitted spacer fabric samples (92% polyester/8% spandex), i.e. sample 1, sample 2, and sample 3, having thicknesses of 2 mm (300 gm−2), 3 mm (350 gm−2), and 4 mm (540 gm−2), with silica aerogels (SAs) through the sol-gel method. SEM, FTIR-ATR, and surface roughness test of fabric samples were analyzed to comprehend the influence of SAs. The experimental results revealed the excellent hydrophobicity and oleophilicity of all the treated 3D weft-knitted spacer fabric samples, providing a higher water contact angle (CA) 142 ± 0.84° and an oil sorption capacity 7.51 ± 0.08g/g and 6.88 ± 0.06g/g for vegetable oil and engine oil, especially of sample 2 owing to the most silica particles. The statistical analysis also demonstrated a significant performance (P < 0.05) of treated spacer fabric samples at the 0.05 level. Thus, these fabrics are suitable for an industrial application of hydrophobic and oleophilic properties.

Functionalization of aminoalkylsilane-grafted cotton for antibacterial, thermal, and wettability properties

“…The spectra were recorded at the wavenumber range of 400–4000 cm −1 using the attenuated total reflection (ATR) technique. 23 The test was used in 64 scans with 8 cm −1 resolution. The morphologies of samples were observed by scanning electron microscope (FLEX SEM1000, Hitachi, chuocho, Japan).…”

“…The surface tension of those liquids is given in Table 2. 23,24 The contact angle was obtained 15 s after placing the droplets on the fabric surface. 25…”

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

“…The existence of Si-O-Si network constructions in the treated 3D WKSFs offered thermodynamic motion from inside to outside and the creation of a homogenous SiO 2 aerogel coating induced constant material distribution on the fabric surface, resulting in decreased surface energy and increased surface roughness, thus, enhanced the hydrophobic and oleophilic properties of the treated samples. 63,71,72 Chemical interaction of untreated and treated 3D weft-knitted spacer fabrics…”

“…[58][59][60][61][62] By using several precursors, co-precursors, and silylating agents with SAs coating, the surface roughness, and specific surface area can be increased, and the surface energy can be decreased, potentially improving the hydrophobicity and oleophilicity of 3D WKSFs. [63][64][65][66][67] Nowadays, the production of hydrophobic and oleophilic surfaces using the sol-gel method has received much interest and has been used widely in many researches. 68,69 No research work has been found between different concentrations of SAs and 3D WKSFs for water-repelling and oil-absorbing materials with reusability properties.…”

“…56,57 Minor proportions of nano and microparticle fillers have enhanced the functional properties of 3D WKSFs; nevertheless, their water-repelling and oil-absorbing features are identically limited. [58][59][60][61][62] By using several precursors, co-precursors, and silylating agents with SAs coating, the surface roughness, and specific surface area can be increased, and the surface energy can be decreased, potentially improving the hydrophobicity and oleophilicity of 3D WKSFs. [63][64][65][66][67] Nowadays, the production of hydrophobic and oleophilic surfaces using the sol-gel method has received much interest and has been used widely in many researches.…”