Ultra-hydrophobic Eucommia gum coating with temperature-responsive and shape-memory performance

Abstract

The intelligent and multifunctional composites offer important applications in many fields. However, the fabrication of intelligent and multifunctional composites still faces limitations due to complicated processes, high costs, and restricted area coverage. Here, we present a new approach for creating a micro/nano-hybrid hierarchical Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) coating with outstanding superhydrophobic, temperature-responsive and shape-memory characteristics. The intelligent EUG coating prepared in this study can regulate the change and recovery of the microstructure of the coating surface by altering temperature and external force, thereby achieving control of the surface properties and memory performance of the coating. These EUG hydrophobic shape-memory coatings are obtained through the preparation of superhydrophobic sepiolite particles, spin coating, and chemical cross-linking processes. In addition to its performance advantages, the outstanding advantage of these composites is the simple and easy preparation process, regardless of the substrate surface topography. These novel superhydrophobic and temperature-responsive shape-memory EUG composites can achieve contact angle and thickness regulation. These superhydrophobic and temperature-responsive shape-memory EUG composites are highly expected to be applied in medical devices and intelligent textiles fields.