Evaluation of polymeric coatings applied to a natural fique fiber mesh of a water harvesting fog catcher system

One of society's priority needs is acquiring fresh water due to high contamination levels and limited access in areas where this valuable resource is scarce. Non-traditional methods of water acquisition, such as fog catcher systems, are increasingly relevant because of their low cost and versatility. These systems use collection meshes to condense fog microdroplets. The water then undergoes filtration, adsorption, and disinfection processes to ensure its potability. Unfortunately, the materials commonly used in fog catcher meshes are synthetic, making them resistant to degradation. Consequently, natural fibers present a viable alternative for their replacement. However, the hydrophobicity of natural fibers is low, which results in limited water capture. This necessitates the development of new solutions, such as coatings, to enhance water capture efficiency. This article presents an evaluation of various polymeric coatings applied to natural fique fiber meshes installed in fog catchers, focusing on the impact of these coatings on water capture efficiency. Additionally, a mechanical and morphological characterization of the coated meshes was performed to assess their mechanical properties and adhesion. Mechanical characterization was conducted using tensile testing, which revealed improved properties in the epoxy-coated fique mesh system. Morphological analysis, using scanning electron microscopy, showed better adhesion between the epoxy and polyester resins and the natural fiber. Water capture tests conducted both in the field and in the laboratory demonstrated that the fique-epoxy coating is the most effective, increasing water uptake by 124.4% compared to uncoated fique fiber.