Fabrication of mechanochemically robust superhydrophobic coating based on MPVDF/epoxy resins composites

Abstract

Inspired by natural surfaces, artificial superhydrophobic coating has attracted extensive research interests. However, the application of such surface coatings for anti-fouling purposes in out-door equipment has been limited due to the lack of mechanical robustness, chemical resistance. The fabrication of superhydrophobic water-repellent coatings after mechanical damages or chemical corrosion remains a challenge. This paper described a kind of flexible superhydrophobic modified PVDF (MPVDF)/epoxy resins composites coating (SMECC) with good water repellency, strong mechanical and chemical robustness. Based on the excellent properties of MPVDF and epoxy resin, the SMECC showed strong mechanical robustness under cyclic tape stripping and taber abrasion. The obtained coating can continuous exposure to UV light or high corrosive medium (hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions) for several days while maintaining super-hydrophobicity (WCA > 158°, WSA < 1°), and has adaptability on different substrates. In addition, the mechanical flexibility of our coating ensures high speed drip resistance anti-moisture stabilities. These developed coatings have a wide range of robustness and scalability, making them promising candidates for a variety of harsh applications environments and even under-water conditions.