(582ca) Versatile Surface Modifications for Functionalization of Fibers

Chemical modification of fibers and textiles makes possible both functional consumer products and novel industrial applications with a range of properties. This work focuses on the chemistry and kinetics of covalent attachment of functional groups that impart super-hydrophobicity to cotton fibers. One synthesis method involves cyanuric chloride (2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine), which has been employed as an anchor for attachment of various compounds and dyes to the fabric surfaces for several decades. The action of cyanuric chloride on the surface of cellulose materials allows for facile, high yield attachments of compounds by nucleophilic substitution with amines; the functionality of the fabric can be varied by the nature of the amine. In this study, applications of functionalized cellulose fibers have been evaluated. A super-hydrophobic fabric (contact angle > 150°) has been created by attaching functionalized alkyl amines to the surface of cotton fabric. Notably, this process creates a super-hydrophobic surface without the use of perfluorocarbons, the precursors of which are hazardous and highly pervasive environmentally. In addition to the hydrophobic functionalization, other surface properties have been achieved with a range of precursors, including acidic and basic behavior. The examined syntheses have attained high yields, and the materials synthesized show thermal and chemical stability. A second method for covalent attachment of hydrophobic functional groups to cotton fibers employs readily available hydrocarbons and mild reagents and conditions. The novel chemistry provides a straightforward means to modify fibers using inexpensive starting materials. The effects of process variables including temperature and concentrations on the resulting surface coverage and properties will be discussed. These syntheses offer versatile, efficient, and scalable methods for permanent attachment of diverse functional groups not only to fabrics and cellulosic materials, but also to a variety of other surfaces.