Inherently Omniphobic Fibers and Fabrics

This fiber modification uses channels with re-entrant features in the shape of repeating trapezoids to create highly repellent textiles that resist attraction of both water and liquid chemicals, solvents, and oils. The self-cleaning textiles market, which includes hydrophobic, oleophobic, and omniphobic materials, is expected to reach a value of $573 million by 2021. Conventional textile surface chemistries rely on chemicals like fluorocarbons, silicones, and waxes to create omniphobic materials. To reduce the need for chemical modifications, researchers from Clemson and the Natick Solider Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) have developed a fiber structure that allows for omniphobic fabrics to be produced. By engineering the fabric surface to have trapezoidal shape nano-features, any liquid that comes in contact with the material simply rolls off the surface. This approach eliminates the need for conventional chemical surface coatings and instead modifies the fiber geometry and structure, resulting in water, oil, and stain repellent fabrics.