Robust interface-free superhydrophobic polymer-based composites with recoverable and anti-icing properties

Abstract

Superhydrophobic property is highly demanded for fiber reinforced polymer composites (FRPC) to deal with the accumulation of ice and stains. However, the traditional superhydrophobic coating prepared by nanoparticles & adhesive strategy cannot avoid the unreliable interfaces. Herein, the flexible interface-free superhydrophobic films were fabricated by infusing the paper template with PTFE and subsequent sintering treatment. The adjustable self-growing hierarchal structure could be achieved by crystallization of PTFE tuned by cooling rate. By pressure-assisted integrated molding, the optimized textured film obtained at a cooling rate of 2 °C/min was employed to FRPC with reliable interfacial bonding. The prepared superhydrophobic FRPC (SH-FRPC) could withstand at least 800 cycles' tape peeling, 200 cycles' sandpaper friction and 24.8 m/s water impact (We = 16908) with unchanged superhydrophobicity. Besides, the worn surface by extreme effect recovered its superhydrophobicity by specific sandpaper friction in <10 s or reheat treatment at 380 °C. What's more, the prepared SH-FRPC shown excellent self-cleaning and anti-icing capacities compared with the original FRPC. With outstanding operational feasibility and retention of mechanical properties, the multi-functional FRPC is attractive for applications in rainy or dusty environments.