Self-cleaning and amphiphobic properties of octadecyltrichlorosilane self-assembled modified polytetrafluoroethylene films

Abstract

Self-cleaning and amphiphobic film has been widely used in daily life. To ensure good amphiphobic performance, simplify the production process, reduce cost and ensure environmental friendliness, the preparation process of the self-cleaning and amphiphobic film needs further optimization. In this study, with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder as raw materials, a simple process and environmental pollution-free preparation method of self-cleaning and amphiphobic film was explored by spraying method. The structure of OTS@PTFE films was regulated by changing the ratio of PTFE to OTS. When the ratio was 4:10, the contact angle (CA) of the film’s surface to water reached 148°, and the surface energy was as low as 0.424 mJ·m−2. The OTS@PTFE film retained excellent amphiphobicity after 21 days of standing. When water dropleted roll on the film’s surface, they would carry away a large amount of pollutants and achieved self-cleaning effect. The coated OTS@PTFE film effectively reduced the surface energy of substrates such as stainless steel, glass and aluminum sheet, and the sprayed glass even actualized superhydrophobic. This confirmed the excellent versatility of OTS@PTFE films.