Facile approach in fabricating superhydrophobic coatings from silica-based nanocomposite

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 257; no. 1; pp. 33 - 36
• Main Authors: Guo, Yonggang, Wang, Qihua
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.10.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Coating; Coatings; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Hydrophobicity; Materials science; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Other materials; Physics; Reinforced polymers and polymer-based composites; Silicon dioxide; Solid-fluid interfaces; Specific materials; Structure and morphology; thickness; Superhydrophobicity; Surface roughness; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Thin film structure and morphology; Topography; Water contact angle; Wetting; Water contact angle; Superhydrophobicity; Coating; Water; Polyethylenes; Water repellent; Roughness; Glass; Surface treatments; Iron alloys; Contact angle; Coatings; Surface structure; Nanoparticles; Wettability; Composite materials; PMMA; Nanocomposites; Silicon oxides; Surface properties; PVC; Nanostructured materials
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2010.06.024

This study develops a one-step technique to synthesize various super water-repellent coatings with addition of modified silica nanoparticles. Surface topography observation showed that stacking of spherical silica nanoparticles formed primary surface roughness. The wettability of the products was investigated. It was found that the as-prepared surface possesses superhydrophobic properties not only for pure water but also for corrosive water under both acidic and basic conditions. The silica-based nanocomposite coatings can be fabricated on glass substrates and other functional engineering material surfaces, such as copper, iron, aluminum alloy, to form self-cleaning coatings.