Fabrication of robust superhydrophobic surfaces by modification of chemically roughened fibers via thiol–ene click chemistry

Superhydrophobic fabrics were fabricated by creation of roughening structures through alkali etching of fibers, modification with mercapto silanes and hydrophobization via thiol–ene click chemistry. Alkali etching resulted in nanoscale pits on the fiber surfaces roughening the fabrics with hierarchical structures, and improved the affinity of fibers for mercapto silanes. The click reaction between dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate and sulfhydryl fibers lowered the surface energy, making the fabrics superhydrophobic with superoleophilicity. The as-obtained superhydrophobic fabrics showed excellent chemical robustness even after exposure to different chemicals, such as acid, base, salt, acetone, and toluene. Importantly, the fabrics maintained superhydrophobicity after 4500 abrasion cycles, 200 laundering cycles, as well as long time exposure to UV irradiation. The fabrics could be applied in oil/water separation due to their superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties.