Sustainable polymer coating for stainproof fabrics

Chengyu Fu, Zhengge Wang, Yingtao Gao, Jian Zhao, Yongchun Liu, Xingyu Zhou, Rongrong Qin, Yanyun Pang, Bowen Hu, Yingying Zhang, Songpei Nan, Jinrui Zhang, Xu Zhang and Peng Yang ()
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Chengyu Fu: Shaanxi Normal University
Zhengge Wang: Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology
Yingtao Gao: Shaanxi Normal University
Jian Zhao: Shaanxi Normal University
Yongchun Liu: Shaanxi Normal University
Xingyu Zhou: Shaanxi Normal University
Rongrong Qin: Shaanxi Normal University
Yanyun Pang: Tianjin Medical University
Bowen Hu: Shaanxi Normal University
Yingying Zhang: Shaanxi Normal University
Songpei Nan: Shaanxi Normal University
Jinrui Zhang: Shaanxi Normal University
Xu Zhang: Tianjin Medical University
Peng Yang: Shaanxi Normal University

Nature Sustainability, 2023, vol. 6, issue 8, 984-994

Abstract: Abstract The excessive use of synthetic detergents in laundry operations is an important source of environmental pollution. As a result, sustainability-driven innovations are receiving increasing attention to enable eco-friendly textiles characterized by properties that allow for minimized consumption of detergents. Here we propose a coating-at-will (CAW) strategy to create an extra layer on top of a textile fabric to introduce stain resistance. The coated layer is based on conjugated polymers from lysozyme (Lyz) and zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA), which, once exposed to the fabric, form a robust nanofilm on the surface. Remarkably, this hydrophilic layer exhibits excellent underwater superoleophobicity, and the coated fabrics can be cleaned simply with water without detergents. Optically transparent and biocompatible, this polymer nanofilm does not compromise the clothing comfort of the fabric and reduces the carbon footprint by more than 50% compared with detergents, according to a life cycle analysis. Moreover, our CAW strategy can be applied to the surfaces of various materials, including metals, glasses, plastics and ceramics, suggesting a versatile solution to the environmental risks posed by cleaning products.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-023-01121-9

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