Nanoconjugates of methacrylic polymers: Synthesis, characterization, and immobilization to leather

Abstract

Imparting superhydrophobicity to surfaces has direct implications for developing water-repellent materials. Most hydrophobic materials cannot be applied directly to specific surfaces like leather because of noncompatibility. Although methacrylic polymers are compatible to leather, their inherent hydrophilic characteristics make it challenging to use for introducing hydrophobicity or superhydrophobicity. In this article, we present a strategy of introducing hydrophobicity in various degrees as well as superhydrophobicity to different surfaces, particularly leather and glass surfaces by using conjugates of methacrylic polymers and various carbon nanomaterials. The covalent functionalization of methacrylate polymers with carbon nanotubes and fullerenes was performed by radical polymerization in the presence or absence of chain transfer agents (CTAs). CTA was used during polymerization to introduce carboxylic acid group, necessary for chromium-assisted binding to leather to avoid leaching. A balance between the compatibility of the polymer nanoconjugates with the leather and the amount necessary for coating stabilization was studied by a rheometer. While water contact angle measurement indicated the mild hydrophobicity in most cases, we were delighted to observe superhydrophobicity in one case presumably due to increased roughness because of the presence of specific nanomaterial to overcome inherent hydrophilicity of methacrylic polymers.

Functionalization of Nitrocellulose Film by AB-Type Click Polymerization: Methods and Property Enhancements

“…But on the polymer-grafted NC (Polymer-NC 1) surface, we observed the ellipse shaped surface structures with rougher surface and high surface roughness values (173.3 nm), attributed to the ordered alignments of polytriazoles on NC surfaces. The roughness property of surfaces can significantly affect the surface wettability of the particular surfaces, causing superhydrophobicity for the Polymer-NC 1 surface …”

“…But on the polymergrafted NC (Polymer-NC 1) surface, we observed the ellipse shaped surface structures with rougher surface and high surface roughness values (173.3 nm), attributed to the ordered alignments of polytriazoles on NC surfaces. The roughness property of surfaces can significantly affect the surface wettability of the particular surfaces, causing superhydrophobicity for the Polymer-NC 1 surface 57. Since the click-polymer part has aromatic group, which often shows fluorescence properties, where transparency and morphology affects the fluorescence patterns, the surface fluorescent property of pristine and functionalized NC surfaces…”

A Review of Recent Advances in the Development of Superhydrophobicity over Various Substrate Surfaces Using Polymers

“…This is because of the roughness induced by nanotubes, a crucial criterion for superhydrophobicity, whereas the other coatings seem to be hydrophobic. [107] Similarly, several more fascinating superhydrophobic surfaces with interesting uses have been reported.…”

“…Of the four different types of polymer nanoconjugates formed and coated over the leather, the one with polymerization using multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and CTA observed superhydrophobicity of 158°. This is because of the roughness induced by nanotubes, a crucial criterion for superhydrophobicity, whereas the other coatings seem to be hydrophobic [107] …”

Imparting Waterproofing Properties to Leather by Polymer Nanoemulsion Based on Long-Chain Alkyl Acrylate

“…In the leather-making process, waterproof fatliquors can impart leather with not only softness but also a certain degree of water resistance. Recently, more attention has been paid to the preparation and application of waterproof fatliquors [ 2 , 3 , 4 ].…”