Application of Superhydrophobic Fabric of Reversible Wettability in Oil-Water Separation

GUO Su-ming, CAI Zai-sheng, MOU Xiao-feng

Surface Technology ›› 2017, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (5) : 209-214.

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PDF(7745 KB)
Surface Technology ›› 2017, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (5) : 209-214. DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2017.05.034
Surface Strengthening and Functionalization

Application of Superhydrophobic Fabric of Reversible Wettability in Oil-Water Separation

  • GUO Su-ming1, CAI Zai-sheng1, MOU Xiao-feng2
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Abstract

The work aims to prepare a superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic fabric of convertible wettability for oil-water separation. A micron-submicron structure was constructed on the surface of polyester/cotton fabric in the method of chemical copper-plating, then the fabric was immersed in dodecanoic acid ethanol solution to obtain superhydrophobic fabric. Surface morphology, element distribution and wettability of the polyester/cotton fabric were tested with scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDXS) and contact angle tester. The copper-plated polyester/cotton fabric modified with the dodecanoic acid was of super hydrophobic property, and its contact angle with water was 151.9°. In addition, the reversible transition of wettability could be realized by changing pH of the environment where superhydrophobic fabric was, which could make oil-water seperation possible with separation efficiency of 98% and separation cycle index of over 80 times. Superhydrophobic fabric for oil/water separation can be successfully fabricated by constructing rough surface based on electroless copper plating and modifying it with dodecanoic acid, a low surface energy substance. Superhydrophilic fabric can be obtained by increasing pH value of the environment where the fabric is. Both superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic fabrics can be used for oil-water separation.

Key words

chemical plating; superhydrophobic; superhydrophilic; oil-water separation

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GUO Su-ming, CAI Zai-sheng, MOU Xiao-feng. Application of Superhydrophobic Fabric of Reversible Wettability in Oil-Water Separation[J]. Surface Technology. 2017, 46(5): 209-214
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