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.

Multifunctional fabrics of high durability through a scalable and eco-friendly technique remains a great challenge hindering their commercialization. In this work, we report a facile synthesis technique for the fabrication of superhydrophobic antibacterial fabrics by employing fluorine-free silane coupling agents as cross-linkers for enhanced durability. Three silane cross-linkers, Aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS), Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and Methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS), have been investigated. During the fabrication, a low surface energy polymer, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was first deposited on cotton fabrics. Subsequently, antibacterial copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were anchored on the PDMS coated fabrics using the silane cross-linkers. The as-prepared fabrics displayed high superhydrophobicity and antibacterial performance with water contact angle (WCA) > 153°, water shedding angle (WSA) < 5°, and up to 99% antibacterial efficiency. Additionally, the as-prepared fabrics displayed high durability against abrasion, ultrasonic washing, and soaking in harsh chemical environments. The air permeability and flexibility of the fabric was not compromised after the coating. The above-reported technique is simple, cost-effective and holds tremendous potential for large-scale production of energy-saving clothing and healthcare products.