Construction of green versatile coating integrating fireproof, electric-conduction and self-cleaning performance for cotton fabrics

The development of conductive cotton fabrics possessing superb self-cleaning and fire-proof performances exhibits vast vistas in wearable electronic devices. However, the secretion substances from human body or contaminants from the environment may interpret the normal functions of the devices and induces short-circuiting and even fire. Herein, a new strategy for the fabrication of multifunctional cotton fabrics was introduced, involving with the sequent coating of bio-based flame-retardant, conductive two-dimensional material and hydrophobic long chain alkyl silane. The multiple coating endowed the cotton fabric with a higher limited oxygen index value of 36.7% and a dramatical reduction in peak of heat release rate (74.4%) and total heat release rate (62.4%), also with a rapid self-extinguishing ability during burning. The deposition of MXene tremendously promoted the conductivity of the fabric and the coated fabric could make a steady-state electrothermal response of 129.3 °C at 5 V. Moreover, the fabric showed an excellent self-cleaning ability for common dyes and contaminants which allowed it to retain the normal functions under various conditions. The multifunctional cotton fabric designed in this work showed a high prospective in the practical applications of wearable electronics, flexible sensors, early warning, and even special membranes for extreme environments.