Textiles with ‘water shield’ nano-coating can be cleaned without detergent
Self-cleaning coating could cut water use and reduce release of microplastics
Stained and dirty clothes could one day be washed by simply rinsing them with water thanks to a new self-cleaning coating for textiles. The researchers say it could make doing laundry more convenient and more environmentally friendly by reducing water use and limiting wastewater contaminated with detergents and microplastic fibres.
Self-cleaning coatings are nothing new and they are usually based on three kinds of materials. Superhydrophobic ones work against water-based contaminants but struggle with oily residues. Photocatalytic self-cleaning surfaces can degrade contaminants under light but they don’t prevent dirt attaching in the first place. Meanwhile, lubricant-based self-cleaning coatings allow contaminants to slide off but they lack long-term stability and durability on flexible fabrics.