A research team led by Professors Xianfeng Wang and Bin Ding from Donghua University has developed a breakthrough in protective textile technology by engineering highly permeable, liquid-repellent textiles (HPPT) with micro/nano-network structures. Published in Nano-Micro Letters, this innovative work presents a scalable and practical solution to the long-standing challenge of balancing protection and comfort in medical clothing. The newly developed HPPT materials offer superior air and moisture permeability, robust mechanical durability, and exceptional resistance to liquid penetration, positioning them as promising candidates for next-generation healthcare and wearable protection.

Why These Textiles Matter

• Superior Comfort and Protection: HPPT achieves excellent air permeability (14.24 mm/s) and moisture permeability (7.92 kgm⁻² d^-1), while maintaining a high hydrostatic pressure (12.86 kPa) and liquid repellency, outperforming many commercial protective materials.
• Scalable and Industrially Relevant: The fabrication process is compatible with large-scale production and adaptable to various textile types including woven, non-woven, and knitted fabrics.
• Resilient and Durable: The textiles maintain performance after 1000 abrasion cycles and 100 washing cycles, demonstrating strong wear resistance and long-term functionality.

Innovative Design and Mechanisms

• Synergistic Phase Separation Strategy: The HPPT is fabricated using a non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) technique, synergistically driven by calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and fluorinated polyurethane (FPU), followed by a three-proof finishing agent (TRG) spray to enhance surface hydrophobicity.
• Tailored Micro/Nano-Networks: The optimized pore structure, with an average pore size of 1.03 µm and high porosity (69%), facilitates air and moisture flow while blocking external liquid infiltration, creating a comfortable and dry microenvironment for the wearer.
• Advanced Modeling and Validation: Molecular dynamics simulations and dynamic optical analysis reveal the multi-stage phase separation mechanism and highlight the effects of FPU and CaCl₂ on controlling pore formation and surface energy.

Performance Highlights

• Liquid Repellency: HPPT displays strong repellency to water (WCA: 131°), blood (BCA: 126°), oil (OCA: 104°), and ethanol (ECA: 85°), maintaining these values over time and under dynamic conditions.
• Mechanical Strength: With a tensile strength of 65.56 MPa, HPPT surpasses conventional materials like HDPE membranes by over five times in mechanical durability.
• Thermal and Environmental Stability: The hydrostatic pressure remains stable even at elevated temperatures (up to 50 °C), and the material retains strong antibacterial performance due to the incorporated bacteriostatic components.

Future Outlook

• Smart Wearable Integration: The HPPT platform lays a foundation for future development of electronic textiles and bio-based antiviral fabrics, expanding its role in smart healthcare, radiative cooling, and human–device interfaces.
• Versatile Applications: Beyond medical protective clothing, the material is promising for use in outdoor wear, emergency response suits, and industrial safety gear, where comfort and robust protection are equally critical.
• Industrial Collaboration Potential: The compatibility of this technology with current manufacturing processes enhances its value for commercialization and industrial adoption.

Stay tuned for more pioneering developments from Professors Wang and Ding’s team at Donghua University as they continue to advance the future of high-performance, multifunctional textiles for medical and health protection!