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A hybrid UV absorber (SiO2-H) was successfully synthesized by functionalizing nanosilica (SiO2) with 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone and then was introduced onto the surface of cotton fabric by sequentially depositing in poly (diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA) aqueous solution and SiO2-H suspension via layer-by-layer assembly method. The SiO2-H particles imparted excellent ultraviolet (UV) resistance property to the cotton fabric, while forming nano- and micro structure on the surface of cotton fabric, making the fabric superhydrophobic after the modification with hexadecyltrimethoxy silane (HDTMS). The surface morphology, wetting behavior, UV resistance and physical properties of cotton fabrics were studied. According to the results, the modified cotton fabric not only showed strong UV-resistant ability with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) value as high as 500, but also displayed superhydrophobicty with WCA of 153 ± 1°. Moreover, the durability of multifunctional surface was examined by laundering and abrasion tests. The modified fabrics still maintained hydrophobic property and excellent UV resistance after 300 abrasion or 20 laundering cycles, demonstrating outstanding durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a water-soluble ultraviolet (UV) absorber (PEI-H) was synthesized by grafting polyethyleneimine (PEI) with 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (UV-0). UV-resistant and superhydrophobic coating was fabricated upon cotton fabric by sequentially depositing PEI-H, silica sol (SiO2) and hexadecyltrimethoxysilane via layer-by-layer assembly and dip-coating. The surface morphology, chemical composition, water-repellence, UV resistance property, durability against washing and abrasion test, air permeability as well as safety of the obtained fabric were investigated. It found that the obtained cotton fabric exhibited superior UV-resistant property with UPF value more than 800 which was attributed to the synergistic effect between organic UV absorber (UV-0) and inorganic UV shielding agent (SiO2). Meanwhile, it also possessed superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning and anti-fouling properties with water contact angle of 154°. In addition, the multifunctional fabric after 20 washing times or 300 abrasion times remained excellent hydrophobicity and the corresponding UPF values were still 400+, showing an outstanding durability. Importantly, the obtained fabric was absolutely safe for human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]