Constructing non-fluorinated porous superhydrophobic SiO2-based films with robust mechanical properties

Abstract

We present a cost-effective and environmentally friendly fabrication route for fluorine-free superhydrophobic SiO2-based films with robust mechanical properties on various substrates including soda-lime glass, fabric, paper and aluminium flake. The superhydrophobic dispersion is achieved by modifying the SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with hexamethyl disilazane (HMDS), in which the SiO2 NPs are derived from base catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). The water contact angle (CA) and sliding angle (SA) of the dip-coated films from the HMDS-modified SiO2 NPs reache ∼170° and about 2°, respectively. We particularly present a facile route to greatly enhance the mechanical durability without noticeable lossing the superhydrophobicity of the films by mixing different size ranges of SiO2 NPs in the presence ofhydroxy acrylic resin (HAR). The synthesized SiO2-based organic-inorganic composite superhydrophobic films display excellent self-cleaning properties even after 100 cycles of sandpaper abrasion. Combined with the excellent superhydrophobic properties and the robust mechanical properties, the present procedure provides a facile and cost-effective synthetic protocol of constructing surfaces for not only durable self-cleaning and antifouling devices but also anti-corrosion applications.