Superhydrophobic Polymer Composite Surfaces Developed via Photopolymerization

Abstract

Fabrication of superhydrophobic materials using incumbent techniques involves several processing steps and is therefore either quite complex, not scalable, or often both. Here, the development of superhydrophobic surface-patterned polymer–TiO 2 composite materials using a simple, single-step photopolymerization-based approach is reported. The synergistic combination of concurrent, periodic bump-like pattern formation created using irradiation through a photomask and photopolymerization-induced nanoparticle (NP) phase separation enables the development of surface textures with dual-scale roughness (micrometer-sized bumps and NPs) that demonstrate high water contact angles, low roll-off angles, and desirable postprocessability such as flexibility, peel-and-stick capability, and self-cleaning capability. The effect of nanoparticle concentration on surface porosity and consequently nonwetting properties is discussed. Large-area fabrication over an area of 20 cm 2 , which is important for practical applications, is also demonstrated. This work demonstrates the capability of polymerizable systems to aid in the organization of functional polymer–nanoparticle surface structures.

Nanoparticle Diffusion and Fixation for the Preparation of Durable Transparent Superhydrophobic Coatings

“…Inspired by nature, such as lotus leaves, rose petals, , and water striders, , superhydrophobic surfaces with a water contact angle (CA) over 150° and a sliding angle (SA) below 10° have attracted tremendous attention in both academic and industrial fields in the last few decades. Artificial superhydrophobic coatings can be achieved with a low surface energy and a high surface roughness. − Common superhydrophobic surfaces possess functions of self-cleaning, anti-fouling, , and de-icing , and can be used in oil–water separation, , UV protection, − and anti-corrosion applications. , Superhydrophobic coatings with optical transparency can be expanded to glass products, including windshields, house windows, eyeglasses, solar panels, and other non-glass materials, such as textile, paper, wood, etc. ,,− …”

Enhanced Corrosion Resistance and Surface Wettability of PVDF/ZnO and PVDF/TiO2 Composite Coatings: A Comparative Study

“…Superhydrophobic polymer composite materials have been the subject of extensive research due to their unique properties and potential applications in various fields such as self-cleaning surfaces, anti-icing, and drag reduction [6,7]. These materials possess high water repellency, with water droplets easily rolling off their surfaces, leaving no trace [8].…”