Transparent gel composite films with multiple functionalities: Long-lasting anti-fogging, underwater superoleophobicity and anti-bacterial activity

Abstract

Transparent gel-based composite films with multiple functionalities, showing long-lasting anti-fogging properties, underwater superoleophobicity, and anti-bacterial activity were successfully prepared from polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and aminopropyl-functionalized clay (AMP-clay). Due to the addition of glutaraldehyde (GA, cross-linker) into the PVP matrices, and AMP-functionalities to the substrate surfaces, both the adhesion properties in water and durability of the anti-fogging properties were significantly improved. In addition, this durability was also found to be markedly improved by increasing the film thickness via deposition of several PVP/AMP/GA layers, while still retaining excellent transparency.