Thermoresponsive PNIPAAm-modified cotton fabric surfaces that switch between superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity

Thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) was grafted onto the cotton fabric by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Introducing 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDTS) onto the surface, the density of PNIPAAm chains can be adjusted because of the competitive reactions of (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APS) and PFDTS. With the appropriate ratio of APS and PFDTS, the cotton fabric can be switched from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic by controlling temperature. The prepared cotton fabric may find application in functional textiles, soft and folding superhydrophobic materials.

► PNIPAAm was grafted onto cotton fabric by ATRP. ► The density of PNIPAAm chains can be adjusted by introducing PFDTS to the surface. ► The as-prepared surface had controllable wettability by changing temperature. ► The prepared cotton fabric may find application in functional textiles.