Progress on fiber engineering for fabric innovation in ecological hydrophobic design and multifunctional applications

The application of fluorinated coatings on textiles has garnered substantial research interest over the past years, owing to their ability to endow fabrics with exceptional hydrophobic characteristics, thereby mitigating issues associated with high moisture absorption and susceptibility to contamination. Nevertheless, the deployment of fluorinated substances has been proscribed due to concerns regarding their ecological impact and potential human toxicity. Consequently, there has been a burgeoning demand for hydrophobic textile alternatives derived from non-fluorinated, natural materials that are both sustainable and environmentally benign. This paper presents a thorough overview of the advancements in the development and functionalization of eco-friendly, hydrophobic textiles. Initially, the natural materials and their derivatives utilized in the creation of superhydrophobic textiles are delineated, including cellulose, lignin and chitosan, among others. Subsequently, methodologies for crafting efficient, stable, and resilient hydrophobic textiles are elucidated, encompassing conventional techniques as well as novel, inventive concepts. Furthermore, the current state of research and the obstacles faced in the evolution of multifunctional textiles based on superhydrophobic fabrics are examined. In conclusion, this discussion presents incisive insights into the impending direction of advancements in functional textiles.