In this talk, nanomaterial deposition processing via air-controlled electrospraying is discussed. In particular, the morphology induced by the processing uniquely lends itself to liquid-repellant coating that are more environmentally benign, given that the formulation does not contain any fluorinated chemicals. The coating formulation was developed using fumed silica nanoparticles, epoxy resin and Isopropyl alcohol, and process variables like solution flow rate, coating duration, applied voltage, and particle loading were optimized. The results indicated that the optimized coating had good water repellency, with a water contact angle (WCA) greater than 150°, with little effect on fabric breathability, transparency, and durability assessed through various characterization techniques. This one-step, low-cost technique offers a feasible alternative to fluorine-based coatings, complying with emergent regulatory initiatives aimed at decreasing the use of hazardous chemicals in textile applications.
