Recent advances in fluorine-free superhydrophobic textiles: Preparation, applications, and prospects

In recent years, the exploration of superhydrophobic surface technology in the field of functional textiles has been continuous deepened. Among these advancements, fluorine-based coatings, once widely used to enhance the wetting and contamination resistance of textiles due to their excellent hydrophobic properties, have come under scrutiny. However, the persistent accumulation of fluorocarbons in the environment and their associated biotoxicity risks have spurred global regulatory responses, highlighting an urgent and critical need across international markets to develop green, safe, and fluorine-free alternatives for textile water repellency. This paper systematically reviews the innovative designs and application prospects of fluorine-free superhydrophobic textiles. First, it focuses on fluorine-free low-surface-energy materials such as organosilicon-based, polyurethane-based, and polyacrylate-based substances, analyzing their synergistic relationships with rough microstructures. Second, it elaborates on the core preparation strategies for fluorine-free superhydrophobic textiles, encompassing both conventional methods and novel cutting-edge technologies. Finally, by integrating typical application scenarios-including self-cleaning, oil-water separation, and smart response—it outlines the technical challenges and industrialization opportunities for environmentally friendly superhydrophobic textiles within the framework of sustainable development, providing valuable insights for future research and practical applications.