Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces with non-aligned alkyl-modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Films of superhydrophobic multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been obtained by using alkyl-modified MWCNTs (MWCNT(COOC 18H 37) n ) and a simple and effective preparation method. The films show both a high contact angle and a small sliding angle for water droplets. A particular characteristic is that on the superhydrophobic surface the alkyl-modified MWCNTs are not intentionally aligned, thus avoiding the preparation techniques using aligned carbon nanotubes to produce the same effect.