Superstrong, Chemically Stable, Superamphiphobic Fabrics from Particle-Free Polymer Coatings

Superamphiphobic fabrics with a robust, chemically stable, highly liquid-repellent surface have been prepared by one-step coating treatment of fabric substrate using a coating solution comprising poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene), fluoroalkyl silane, and a volatile solvent (e.g., acetone). The coated fabric has a contact angle of 162 degrees, 156 degrees, and 150 degrees to water, olive oil, and silicone oil, respectively. The highly volatile solvent in the coating solution plays an important role in forming highly liquid repellent surface on the fabric. The coating is highly stable, and can withstand 98% concentrated sulfuric acid and strong alkaline solution (e.g., 40% KOH). It is also durable enough against at least 800 cycles of machine wash, and 10 000 cycles of abrasion. Physical damages such as abrasion with a fabric, rubbing with sandpaper, or scratching with a sharp blade can even increase the liquid repellency to a certain extent. In addition, the coating has a self-healing property against UV damages. Such a superstrong, superamphiphobic fabric coating may find applications in development of innovative textiles and functional clothing for various applications.