Multifunctional Aramid Fabric Developed Integrating Superhydrophobicity, Self-Cleaning, Photocatalysis, and Flame Retardancy, Enhancing Durability and UV Resistance

July 19, 2026

ACS Applied Polymer Materials (ACS Publications) USA

Overview

Researchers have developed an innovative multifunctional aramid fabric integrating superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, photocatalytic, and flame-retardant properties. By combining a TiO2/g-C3N4 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and phosphorylated chitosan (PCS), the fabric achieved superior water repellency (153.74° WCA, 6.9° SA). It also demonstrated significant phenanthrene degradation under sunlight, enhanced flame retardancy, mechanical strength, washing durability, and UV resistance, opening doors for protective apparel and environmental remediation applications.

In Depth

Key Findings

In recent research, a multifunctional aramid fabric has been developed, highly integrating four functions: superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning, photocatalysis, and flame retardancy. This groundbreaking fabric simultaneously provides these complex properties in a single material, significantly enhancing protective performance and durability, especially in harsh environments. Specifically, it achieves excellent superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 153.74° and a sliding angle of 6.9°, and also possesses a photocatalytic function that degrades pollutants under sunlight. This technology holds the potential to revolutionize various fields, including protective clothing, outdoor textiles, and environmental purification systems.

Technical / Clinical Details

This multifunctional aramid fabric was achieved through the synergistic effect of multiple advanced material technologies. First, the aramid fiber substrate ensures the stability and durability of the coating due to its excellent strength and heat resistance. Next, an S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst consisting of TiO2 (titanium dioxide) and g-C3N4 (graphitic carbon nitride) is immobilized on the fabric surface. This photocatalyst absorbs sunlight (especially UV and visible light) to induce powerful redox reactions, efficiently degrading organic pollutants like phenanthrene. Experiments demonstrated its ability to degrade approximately 85% of phenanthrene under solar irradiation. Furthermore, a composite coating of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and phosphorylated chitosan (PCS) is applied, which imparts superhydrophobicity and significantly enhances flame retardancy. PCS, due to its phosphorus content, forms a char layer during combustion, blocking heat and oxygen supply, thereby delaying fabric ignition. As a result, this fabric showed a 5% increase in Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) and an approximately 80% reduction in burning drips compared to conventional flame-retardant aramid fabrics. Excellent washing durability and UV resistance were also confirmed, with superhydrophobicity and flame retardancy maintained after 10 washing cycles.

Background & Context

Protective clothing and functional textiles are essential for ensuring the safety of individuals working in hazardous environments, such as firefighters, military personnel, and chemical plant workers. These applications simultaneously demand protection from fire, liquid repellency against chemicals, and prevention of dirt accumulation. However, achieving these multiple functions in a single fabric has been a significant challenge. Conventional technologies often required different treatments for each function, leading to increased costs, reduced durability, and discomfort. This research represents a breakthrough in the design and manufacturing of multifunctional textiles, contributing to the realization of more high-performance and safer protective gear.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

This multifunctional aramid fabric is expected to be commercialized in a wide range of application areas, including fire suits, military uniforms, industrial protective gear, outdoor tents, and self-cleaning filters. Future research will focus on scaling up the manufacturing process, further improving cost-efficiency, and optimizing photocatalytic degradation efficiency against different types of pollutants. Customization of functions (e.g., antibacterial properties, electromagnetic shielding) tailored to specific industrial needs is also envisioned. This technology is poised to make a significant impact on the functional textile market and holds the potential to establish new standards that contribute to human safety and environmental protection.

Source: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsapm.6c00834

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