Esterification process of incorporation CS2 activation and its effect on the properties of hydrophobic modified cotton filter fabric via ARGET-ATRP

•The strategy of incorporating CS2 into the ARGET-ATRP reaction system.•The initial CA of the synthesized hydrophobically modified cotton filter fabric is 145.0°, which decreased to 125.4° after 210 min, and the Dr (210 min) was 13.5%.•The modified cotton filter fabric has excellent resistance to chemical corrosion, abrasion resistance and ultrasonic stripping resistance.•The modified fabric was also has a significant oil–water separation effect.