Superhydrophobicity in Cotton Fabrics: Mechanisms, Techniques, and Future Directions Abstract

The significance of cotton as a material for superhydrophobic treatments

Cotton, a natural and widely used material, possesses inherent properties that make it an appealing choice for superhydrophobic treatment applications. Its cellulose structure provides a versatile canvas for chemical modification and nanomaterial incorporation, which are key strategies to achieve superhydrophobicity. Moreover, its extensive use in textiles, from clothing to medical supplies, expands the potential applications of superhydrophobic cotton fabrics.
Cotton's high absorbency is one of its core properties. This is useful in certain applications, such as medical dressings and hygiene products. However, this same characteristic can lead to undesired outcomes like staining or water damage in certain contexts. Superhydrophobic treatments can transform cotton's hydrophilic nature to overcome these limitations, adding value to the fabric by making it highly water-repellent. This can enhance the durability and functionality of cotton in a variety of applications, from outdoor gear to spill-resistant interior furnishings and medical supplies where liquid repellency is important.
Historically, cotton has been used in medicine since the Middle Ages, but its raw form posed a risk as it was not purified. Over time, cotton's role in healthcare has evolved, and it is now a staple in modern hospitals and clinics. It's used in dressings, bandages, gloves, and gowns, and even in implantable products like tampons. Cotton's versatility and safety have led to its ubiquity in these settings. Its potential for superhydrophobic treatment extends its utility, providing opportunities for innovative applications in healthcare and other industries [8]​.
Techniques to render cotton superhydrophobic have seen substantial development. For instance, a study reports the successful fabrication of a superhydrophobic coating on cotton fabrics using a fluorinated silyl functionalized zirconia synthesized via the sol-gel method. The resulting fabric demonstrated remarkable water repellency and durability, even under harsh environmental conditions. This study is illustrative of the potential that cotton fabrics hold for superhydrophobic treatment, opening up new avenues for their use​ [9]​.
Cotton's significant role in a multitude of applications, its amenable structure for chemical and physical modification, and its proven safety and reliability make it a promising material for superhydrophobic treatments. Its transformation from a hydrophilic to a hydrophobic surface can lead to the development of innovative, functional, and durable products that meet diverse needs in textiles, clothing, and healthcare among others.