Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces based on fluorosilane and TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposites

In this work, we reported a facile method to fabricate highly stable superhydrophobic coatings via blending two kinds of nanoparticles and crosslinked fluorosilanes. Simultaneous use of nano-TiO2 and hydrophobic nano-SiO2 cannot only synergistically construct multi-scale roughness structures on the superhydrophobic surfaces, but also greatly improve the hydrophobic stability of the superhydrophobic coatings. It was found that the water contact angle and contact angle hysteresis of the as-prepared coatings were, respectively, 166.6 degrees and 3.4 degrees. Owing to the excellent properties of crosslinked fluorosilanes, the composite coatings also exhibited good thermal stability, chemical stability and self-cleaning property. Owing to its flexibility and simplicity, the method is a facile and inexpensive way to achieve the lotus effect and exhibits high values in practical application.

Automated summary

A facile method to fabricate highly stable superhydrophobic coatings via blending two kinds of nanoparticles and crosslinked fluorosilanes is reported in this work, which exhibit multi-scale roughness structures and improved hydrophobic stability. The prepared coatings show excellent water contact angle, contact angle hysteresis, thermal stability, chemical stability, and self-cleaning property.