A micro-nanohierarchical composite fabric for efficient water transport and outstanding flame retardancy

Textiles with outstanding moisture transport characteristics and excellent flammability is of vital importance for human beings. In this work, the poly(arylene sulfide sulfone)-polydopamine/polyphenylene sulfide-polydopamine/poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) (PASS-PDA/PPS-PDA/PASS) composite fibric with multigradient porous structures from macro to submicron levels prepared via micrometer and nanometer fibers for water transport and evaporation has been fabricated. The introduction of PDA can effectively improve the hydrophilicity of the composite membrane. Meanwhile, superhydrophobic PASS layer with beaded structure was obtained by electrospray as the inner layer. It is found that PASS-PDA-72 fabric exhibited outstanding water diffusion property (spreading diameter = 10.47 cm) and ultrafast the water evaporation (0.20 g h-1). Meanwhile, the beaded-structure PASS fabrics with high hydrophobicity (water contact angle is 130 degrees C) was selected to absorb water from the surface of human skin and transport it to the other side to evaporate quickly, giving the surface of human skin a comfortable and dry environment. What is more, the PASS-PDA/PPS-PDA/PASS composite membrane exhibited excellent thermal stability (Tdmax = 544 degrees C) and flame retardancy, which will have potential for the application in the field of fire protection. image