Sol-gel processed Superhydrophobic Plastic Surfaces Modified with Perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (POTS)

Abstract

Researches about nanomaterials related to properties such as superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning, corrosion and scratching resistance can be directly related to the materials' wettability. This characteristic is quantified by the contact angle made between the surface and a water droplet, in which angles above 90 degrees are considered to be hydrophobic and those above 150 degrees, superhydrophobic. The focus of this work was the development of a superhydrophobic self-cleaning surface, using silica nanoparticles with a particle diameter around 400 nm to 800 nm (produced via sol-gel, referring to the classic Stöber method) functionalized with perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (POTS) on a polymeric substrate polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Four different surface treatment conditions were analyzed: untreated, treated with non-functionalized silica nanoparticles, treated only with POTS and treated with silica nanoparticles functionalized with POTS. For this last condition, a static water contact angle of (150.0 ± 0.44) degrees and a dynamic water contact angle of (7.5 ± 0.38) degrees were obtained, which is a typical value of a superhydrophobic surface. However, the surface treated with POTS alone had a contact angle of 115 degrees. The high contact angle value was due to the low surface energy obtained, which was of (1.45 ± 0.02) dyn/cm. The modified superhydrophobic surface revealed a superior self-cleaning performance by freely rolling spherical water drops on the non-wettable solid surface. The stability of the modified surface has been proven by water jet impact.

Surface treated cotton fabric with stain repellent property for the use in aircraft upholstery

“…7 Hydrophobic fabrics have also self-cleaning properties which can be used in upholstery, usual cloths, mattresses, and also in sport cloths. 8 As per the statistics released in 2018 by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) the estimate air passenger numbers could hit 8.2 billion per year by 2037. 9 Increased demand for capacity means, there should be more aircraft and necessary improvements to the ecosystems to keep those aircraft flying safely.…”

“…There are several research articles published related to super hydrophobic nanomaterials on aircraft surfaces, air conditioner, and refrigerator tubes which lead to have a freeze less surface when in touch with moisture. 8 In addition, the literature, [10][11][12][13] highlighted the super hydrophobicity in aircraft paints and varnishes, pipe coating, and fabric. However, there wasn't any published literature related to the hydrophobic properties of aircraft upholstery fabric materials which is found in the carpeting, wall fabric, and seat covers on an aircraft.…”

“…7 Hydrophobic fabrics have also self-cleaning properties which can be used in upholstery, usual cloths, mattresses, and also in sport cloths. 8…”

Effect of Modified Silica Materials on Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Substrates to Obtain Transparent and Hydrophobic Hybrid Coatings

“…The obtained results revealed that the coatings were thermally stable and have potential for marine applications. Picolo et al [23] prepared the superhydrophobic self-cleaning surface (static contact angle of ~151 • ), using silica nanoparticles functionalized with perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (POTS) on a polymeric substrate polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Latthe et al [24] reported the fabrication of superhydrophobic silica nanoparticle coatings on various substrates (body of motorcycle, building wall, mini boat, solar cell panel, window glass, cotton shirt, fabric shoes, paper (currency notes), plastic, metal, wood, marble, and sponge).…”

O emprego de polímeros em revesitmenos hidrofóbicos, super-hidrofóbicos e autolimpantes: uma revisão da literatura

“…Verificação de propriedades de autolimpeza do PMMA tratado com nanopartículas de sílica funcionalizadas com POTS.Fonte:Picolo et al (2019).…”