Waterborne, all-polymeric, colloidal ‘raspberry’ particles with controllable hydrophobicity and water droplet adhesion properties

Abstract

We present a superhydrophobic coating made from waterborne, all-polymeric 'raspberry' particles, composed of a micrometric spherical core decorated with a corona of nanometric spherical particles. As-cast particles produced hydrophobic coatings that were highly adhesive to almost-spherical droplets of water, resembling the properties of some types of rose petals. The coatings could be made slippery to spherical water droplets, like the lotus leaf, by surface activation with air plasma followed by reaction with an alkyltrichlorosilane. The silanisation of films of latex particles was investigated on two model surfaces (a flat polystyrene film and a monolayer of polystyrene waterborne microparticles) by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements, and applied to our recently-developed 'raspberry' particles to produce a superhydrophobic coating.

Design Optimization of Perfluorinated Liquid‐Infused Surfaces for Blood‐Contacting Applications

“…The relative atomic concentration of fluorine is comparable to those seen in other TP‐treatments. [ 6,10,20 ]…”

“…The relative atomic concentration of fluorine is comparable to those seen in other TP-treatments. [6,10,20] Figure 2C-H (and also in Figure S3, Supporting Information) reveals the topography of the silicon and polystyrene surfaces after CVD TP modification. The formation of tall bumpy aggregates upon TP modification is revealed in the AFM topographical maps, along with increased surface roughness.…”

“…The reaction can produce various structures from single‐molecule thin films, [ 5a ] to more complex assemblies, including particles and nanofilaments. [ 9 ] The typical reaction mechanism of silanization between hydroxyl groups on the surface of metal oxides (or polymeric surfaces which have been activated by exposure to plasma reactions) [ 10 ] and alkyltrichlorosilanes is …”

Topological control of polystyrene-silica core-shell microspheres

“…2,[6][7]11 Geometric and microstructural properties of PS-SS are often optimized for a specific application. For example, tunable superhydrophobic surfaces from deposited particulate monolayers necessitate hierarchical surface roughness, 8,[12][13][14][15][16] so raspberry-like hybrid particles in the sub-micrometer regime are desired. Conversely, in applications where a smooth sphere is preferred, 1,[17][18] a smooth silica shell is advantageous.…”

Alternatives to insecticides: bio-inspired coatings and sprays to tackle insect pests

“…The particle film technology is a hydrophilic kaolin particle-based coating applied to plants and trees. Particle films were shown to reduce oviposition and adult settling Chapter 2 of various pest species on pears and apples [136][137][138], potatoes [139], olives [140,141] and others [142]. They are however to be used in sunny, dry weather as the hydrophilic and porous particle films are easily washed off by rain [140].…”