One‐Step Fabrication of Nanocomposite Thin Films of PTFE in SiOx for Repelling Water

Abstract

Two major areas of research over the past decades are thin films and nanocomposite materials. By no means are nanocomposite thin films a new concept, but due to improvements in deposition techniques, their use and production has become more popular. In this vein, the paper herein describes the fabrication of nanocomposite films of PTFE in a glass‐like material by introducing PTFE micropowder and siloxane monomer into an atmospheric microwave plasma. Direct analysis of the thin film illustrates that the nanocomposite consists of dispersed PTFE particles in a glass‐like matrix, with no observed chemical bonding between the two phases. Such nanocomposite films, and their fast one step deposition process, are easily applied to a range of substrates, both solid and liquid. At low PTFE content a hydrophobic film is fabricated that is robust to abrasive damage, optically transparent, and possesses excellent dynamic water repelling ability. Increasing the PTFE loading transforms the nanocomposite film into a superhydrophobic material. The practical application of such coatings as repellent optical surfaces in dynamic wetting scenarios is demonstrated.