Hemp fabric and cellulose paper as cellulosic materials possess excellent properties, including renewability and biodegradability. However, their potential for application on a wide scale is constrained by inherent limitations. Therefore, their functionalization is necessary. This paper presents a waterborne polyurethane-derived coating that exhibits hydrophobic properties, enhanced firmness, and augmented strength when applied to hemp fabric and cellulose paper. Silicone-containing waterborne polyurethane acrylate (WPUASi) emulsions were synthesized via the interpenetrating polymer network method and subsequently applied to hemp fabric and filter paper. The results revealed that the water contact angle (WCA) of hemp fabric and paper exhibited an increase from 0 degrees to 127.51 degrees and 113.23 degrees, respectively, following the application of the WPUASi coating. The mechanical strength of hemp fabric is increased by 19 %, and the folding strength of filter paper is increased by 23 times. Following washing, the water contact angle and mechanical strength of hemp fabric can still be maintained to a certain extent, indicating that the coating has retained its desired firmness. Furthermore, the coating has been applied to an array of alternative fiber materials, including cotton, polyester cotton, acrylic fiber, hardboard, and balsa wood. The results demonstrated that the WCA remains consistent, oscillating between 100 degrees and 120 degrees. At the end, we applied the coating together with curcumin on hemp fabric to prepare a multifunctional fabric with UV resistance, antibacterial, and hydrophobic properties. In conclusion, this functionalized waterborne polyurethane coating will guide cellulosic materials towards diverse applications.
