Copper nanoparticle decorated non-woven polypropylene fabrics with durable superhydrophobicity and conductivity.

In this study, a facile method was prepared to fabricate highly flexible, conductive and superhydrophobic polymer fabrics. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were decorated on polypropylene fabrics using a simple spraying method and superhydrophobicity was obtained after vacuum drying for 4 h without any surface modifier. Accumulation of CuNPs constituted coral-like rough micro-nano structures, forming a stable Cassie model and endowing the surface with dense charge transport pathways, thus resulting in excellent superhydrophobicity (water contact angle ∼159°, sliding angle ∼2.3°) and conductivity (sheet resistance ∼0.92 Ω sq-1). The fabrics displayed superior waterproof and self-cleaning properties, as well as great sustainability in the water. Additionally, the superhydrophobicity and conductivity can be almost maintained after heat treatment, wear testing, water droplet impinging, weak alkali/acid treatment and repeated bending-kneading tests. These superhydrophobic and conductive fabrics that are free from moisture and pollution can be a reliable candidate to solve the water-penetration issue in the rapid development of flexible electronics.