Multifunctional cellulose-based textiles with high strength, anti-UV, antibacterial and hydrophobic properties are desirable in diversified applications. However, it is still a challenge to manufacture such multifunctional cellulose-based textiles. In this study, a multifunctional waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coating decorated with nano-ZnO and perfluorooctanol (F13) was prepared, and then applied to hemp cellulose fabric finishing. In order to disperse and incorporate nano-ZnO into WPU matrix, nano-ZnO was first modified with gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH-550). Subsequently, KH-550 modified nano-ZnO and F13 were simultaneously introduced into the WPU skeleton. The structural characteristics of nano-ZnO and F13-decorated WPU (ZnO/ FWPU) were studied. Influences of nano-ZnO content on the hydrophobic, antibacterial, and UV resistant of ZnO/FWPU treated hemp cellulose fabric were systematically investigated. The results show that the water contact angle (WCA) of the coated fabric increased from 0 degrees to 135.6 degrees, and it has good-staining ability. Encouragingly, the ZnO/FWPU coating is universal and can improve the hydrophobicity of materials including cotton fabric, polyester cotton, paper, hardboard, and balsa wood, with WCA ranging from 119.05 degrees to 133.84 degrees. Meanwhile, the coated fabric are effective against S. aureus and E. coli, and antibacterial rate was 99.5 % and 99.7 %, respectively. Moreover, the fabric has an excellent anti-UV properties with UPF 50+. The mechanical strength of the fabric is significantly improved, and the breaking strength is increased by 27 % (warp) and 29 % (weft). After repeated washing, the fabric still maintains high mechanical, antibacterial, and hydrophobic properties. This study offers a new opportunity for integrating multiple functions onto a hemp cellulose fabric for multitask requirements.
