Novel superhydrophobic top coating on surface modified PVC-coated fabric

A superhydrophobic surface was created on poly(vinylchloride)-coated architectural fabric using spray coating method. Dispersions of nanoparticles and a flourochemical were prepared as top coating solutions. After spray-dry-cure process, contact angle, sliding (tilt) angle, 3 M water repellency test and surface morphology were compared between uncoated and top coated PVC surfaces. The results indicated that a specific nano-TiO2 dispersion top coating produced a superhydrophobic layer on the top of the PVC surface with high contact angle (150 degrees) and very low sliding angle (2 degrees). Combination of two major requirements, the magnified of the degree of roughness and low surface energy, created self-cleaning effect on the PVC surface. Abrasion fastness of superhydrophobic top coating was improved by surface oxidation via UV-ozone surface treatments. Spectroscopic analysis demonstrated that formation of oxygenated functional groups has improved PVC wettability and adhesion. Results of artificial weathering test indicated no change in superhydrophobicity of top coated PVC. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.