Mechanically robust and superhydrophobic concrete based on sacrificial template approach

Abstract

Superhydrophobic (SH) concrete with low adhesion, self-cleaning, and corrosion resistance has the potential to significantly meet the challenges of injury and fatality under various external conditions such as irradiation, chemical corrosion, and biological contamination. However, the traditional process to realize the superhydrophobicity normally brings the concern of compressive strength loss. Herein, we introduced a facile approach to fabricate the superhydrophobic concrete with mechanical robustness based on the sacrificial template strategy. The concrete exhibits prominent water-repellency and admirable compressive strength simultaneously. The superhydrophobicity was well maintained after cyclic robustness evaluations, including sandpaper abrasion, knife scratch, water impacting, corrosive solution immersion, and UV radiation. The superhydrophobic concrete also exhibits broad-spectrum self-cleaning capability, such as easy removal of common dust, bacteria detachment, and resistance of ice formations. We believe that the SH concrete can potentially address the mechanical robustness and long-term water repellency towards the real applications in the future.