Superhydrophobic Surface Modification On The Fabric Face Mask Materials
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Date
2021-07-29
Authors
Thiyagu, Thanigesh
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Abstract
Disposable surgical masks and N95 respirators have resulted in environmental
pollution. Subsequently resulted in increased demand in wearing fabric face mask
which are washable, reusable, environmentally friendly and sustainable however, the
limitation on fabric-based face mask is the chances for transmission of virus is higher
due to the hydrophilic nature. To tackle the problem, the surface of the fabric is
modified. Superhydrophobic surface with self – cleaning is proposed to tackle the
issue. The present work investigates facile techniques for superhydrophobic coating
on cotton, microfiber, and microfiber blend materials. Dip coating was employed to
coat the coating solution on the fabric surface. The effect of concentration of HDTMS
on the hydrophobicity of different fabrics were investigated. As the concentration of
HDTMS increases, the hydrophobicity of the surface also increased. All cotton fabric
surface coated with 5 % (v/v), 10 % (v/v) and 20 % (v/v) HDTMS concentration
exhibited water contact angle (WCA) more than 150° and able to reach
superhydrophobic state. Modification through bilayer coating solution on the
microfiber and microfiber blend surface was done to enhance superhydrophobicity.
All bilayer coated microfiber surface has WCA of more than 150° while microfiber
blend surface reached WCA near to the superhydrophobic range. Modified cotton and
microfiber surface displayed excellent water repellence and WCA of more than 150°.
The mechanical strength and stability of coating over time of the superhydrophobic
cotton and microfiber surfaces have been evaluated. Modified cotton and microfiber
displayed excellent self – cleaning and stain – resistant properties.