Abstract
The fabrication of protective coatings on silk with special properties is presented. A water soluble siloxane emulsion enriched with silica nanoparticles (7 nm) is sprayed on silk, without the use of any organic solvent. By adjusting the nanoparticle concentration, treated silk obtains (i) superhydrophobic and superoleophobic properties, as evidenced by the high static contact angles of water and oil droplets (>150°) and (ii) water and oil repellent properties, as supported by the corresponding low tilt contact angles (