Bioinspired Bola Polysiloxane for Wettability, Breathability, and Softness in Fabrics

Abstract

The wettability, breathability, and softness of fabrics are difficult to effect synergistically, so they cannot meet the requirements of personal comfort. Here, inspired by some amazing superhydrophilic structures in nature, a synergistic strategy is reported to create a novel Bola quaternary ammonium polyether polysiloxane (BQPEPS) with a water transport channel and softness performance with a unique inverted U shape, overcoming previous limitations. The results showed that the friction coefficient, bending rigidity, and softness were 0.153, 39.75 mN m, and 553 mN, respectively, which are better than those of commercially available products of two other structures. After 40 cycles of washing, the smoothness, stiffness, and softness of the BQPEPS-treated fabrics remained at 88%, 67.7%, and 63.5%, respectively. Moreover, the total wetting time of the BQPEPS-treated fabrics was less than 1 s, and the water vapor transmission was 792 g m-1 in 24 h. Overall, the successful synthesis of Bola polysiloxane should provide personal comfort and thereby exhibit great potential in practical applications.