Antibacterial superhydrophobic aramid fabric with self-cleaning, ultraviolet protection, and oil-water separation functionalities

Aramid fabric is widely used in various fields, owing to its excellent mechanical properties and flame resistance. Therefore, the development of multifunctional integrated aramid fabrics for extreme working conditions, such as firefighting, rescue operations, and extreme sports, will greatly expand their market application prospects. In this study, we synthesized a cationic waterborne polyurethane, and then mixed it with polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride and TiO2 nanoparticles to obtain a suspension, as an antibacterial and ultraviolet (UV) shielding agent, and water-based fluorinated block polyacrylate lotion, as a water repellent. Finally, we used the two-dip-tow-nip process to prepare a durable composite aramid fabric with superhydrophobicity, antibacterial properties, and UV shielding (a superhydrophobic antibacterial UV-shielding fabric, SAUF). The morphology, chemical structure, and thermal stability of the SAUF were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the water contact angle of SAUF was 152.7 +/- 0.1 degrees, with an antibacterial rate of over 99% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, an UV shielding rate of 99.9%, and an oil-water separation efficiency of over 98% for toluene, n-hexane, and trichloromethane. This study provides a simple and feasible preparation method of multifunctional aramid fabric and broadens its application prospects.