A Durable Self-pumping Textile with High Liquid Unidirectional Transport via an Interfacial Interlocking Strategy

Abstract

Wicking textiles are known to be superior to conventional textiles in body sweat management. However, many existing wicking textiles suffer inadequate durability and perspiration performance after repeated abrasion and washing. Herein, an interfacial interlocking strategy was demonstrated to prepare a durable self-pumping textile with strong interfacial adhesion (up to 21.47 ± 1.73 N/cm) between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers. Unlike conventional transfer prints, the sequenced combination of powder-patterning and hot-pressing enables the in situ formation of the interfacial interlocking structures between the hydrophobic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layer with the cotton fabric. The durable self-pumping textiles exhibit excellent abrasion-proof performance and enduring liquid unidirectional transport compared with the commercial wicking textiles. Furthermore, they show a liquid unidirectional transport capacity of (1385 ± 155)%, much higher than the previously reported wicking textiles. This work provides valuable insights for developing future high-performance wicking textiles, emphasizing enhanced liquid transport efficiency, and durability in demanding conditions.

Keywords

Self-pumping textile / Interfacial interlocking structure / Liquid unidirectional transport / Abrasion-proof / Durability

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Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China(21972155)

Beijing Outstanding Young Scientist Program(JWZQ20240102014)

Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS(2022027)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Donghua University, Shanghai, China