Review of Antifouling Finishing of Textiles: Theme, Evolution and Fabrication Methods

Abstract

Antifouling textiles have been a hot research field in the last ten years. But lately, the European Union(EU) is expected to ban the production of C6 fluorinated water repellent, oil repellent and antifouling agents from 2025, achieving complete fluoride-free antifouling measures. In the context of the current policy regulations on fluorine-free treatment in the waterproof, oil repellent and antifouling finishing field, this paper conducts a literature survey and comprehensive understanding of the current research status and trend in fluorine-free antifouling finishing. CiteSpace and Carrot2 are used to conduct a literature review of the latest papers in two databases, Web of Science(WoS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI). Firstly, the theoretical evolution and technical characteristics of textiles antifouling finishing technology are systematically discussed, and the technological differences of antifouling finishing textiles for different demands are compared. Secondly, the three main stages of the development of textile antifouling finishing technology and its corresponding finishing methods are summarized. Finally, three paths for the future development of fluorine-free antifouling finishing are prospected: construction of low surface energy, construction of uniform rough surface and low surface energy, and construction of multistage rough surface with low surface energy. To facilitate the transition of the industrial sector to fluorine-free, regulatory restrictions could be strengthened by enhancing the sampling inspection of apparel fabrics, detecting fluorine in wastewater discharges and restricting the production of fluorine-containing finishing agents by manufacturers.

Keywords

antifouling finishing / fluorine-free / hydrophobicity / oleophobicity / surface roughness

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Funding

Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, China(2232021G-03)

National Natural Science Foundation of China(72074132)

National Natural Science Foundation of China(71704165)