Journal of Supercritical Fluids, Vol.133, 30-37, 2018
Durable crosslinked omniphobic coatings on textiles via supercritical carbon dioxide deposition
A novel method of creation durable water-and oil-repellent coatings on flexible substrates (such as textiles) by simultaneous deposition of perfluoroalkyl methacrylate/hydroxyalkyl methacrylate statistical copolymers with a diisocyanate crosslinking agent from solutions in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2) is proposed. The morphology of fluropolymer films deposited on nylon fibers from 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane and from SC CO2 with/without hexamethylene diisocyanate as a crosslinking agent is compared using scanning electron micro-scopy. Repellent properties of the films are analysed by water contact angle measurements and by performing standard water spray test as well as hydrocarbon resistance tests before and after multiple home laundry cycles. Enhanced uniformity of the SC CO2 deposited coatings results in improved durability and liquid repelling properties in comparison to coatings deposited from a liquid solvent.