Design and Synthesis of a Superhydrophobic PVDF-Based Composite

Choi, Hyun Rim; Lee, Kyungjun; Reeks, John; Liang, Hong

doi:10.1115/1.4031402

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 35 publications

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“…The contact angle is used to measure the extent of wettability of a surface. Surfaces with contact angles(CA) greater than 90°are known as hydrophobic surfaces, but if the CA is greater than 150°, they are known as superhydrophobic surfaces [2,3]. Hydrophobic surfaces have self-cleaning properties [4] that help in maintaining ultra-dry surfaces as in automotive windscreens, reducing skin drag [5], and corrosion prevention [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A novel biomimetic nanocomposite exhibiting petal wetting phenomenon: fabrication and experimental investigations

Lenin¹,

Pandurangan²,

Rao³

et al. 2022

Surf. Topogr.: Metrol. Prop.

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A functional composite material that simultaneously exhibits hydrophobicity and water droplet adhesion has monumental potential in controlling fluid flow, studying phase separation, and biological research. This article reports the fabrication of a petal wetting biomimetic Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) -Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposite achieved by drop casting. The petal effect was investigated by non-destructive techniques. The nanotubes were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition at 1150 °C and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The mean diameter of the nanotubes was found to be 70 nm. The nanocomposites had BNNT fillers ranging from 0.5 wt. % to 2 wt. %. Water contact angles for pure PDMS polymer was 94.7° and for the 2 wt. % BNNT-PDMS nanocomposite was 132.4°. The petal wetting nanocomposite displayed a characteristic trait of high contact angle hysteresis. The surface roughness parameters of the nanocomposites were determined by atomic force microscopy. Laser scanning confocal microscopy aided in analyzing the droplet penetration and in observing the trapped air between the water droplet and the nanocomposite surface. Based on surface observations, roughness parameters, and the extent of droplet penetration by the surface, we shed light on the Cassie impregnating wetting regime followed by the biomimetic nanocomposite. Such a surface would be beneficial in the study of the embryogenesis of cells and aid in moisture collection.

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