Synthesis of inorganic/organic raspberry-like composite particles for superhydrophobic and superlipophilic coatings

A facile synthetic route to composite particles with raspberry-like structure was reported, and further led to super-hydrophobic and superlipophilic surface by the usage of these composite particles. In this approach, the poly(styrene-co-3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane) (P(St-MPS)) particles were fabricated by one-step dispersion polymeri-zation. Then, the P(St-MPS)@SiO2 composite particles with raspberry-like structure were obtained by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) with (P(St-MPS)) particles under alkaline conditions. The morphology of the (P(St-MPS)) @SiO2 composite particles could be controlled by adjusting the ratio of the initial reactants 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPS) and styrene (St). A possible mechanism of the morphology changes was also discussed, the reactive siloxane groups of the (P(St-MPS)) particles induce the growth of silica generated by the hydrolysis of tet-raethoxysilane (TEOS) on its surface to form raspberry-like structure. In addition, the water contact angle (WCA) of the coating was 152 degrees +/- 2 degrees, and the oil contact angle (OCA) of the coating was close to 0 degrees, which demonstrated a super-hydrophobic and superlipophilic properties by a rational surface modification of this P(St-MPS)@SiO2 composite particles with raspberry-like structure. Hydrophobic properties could be adjusted by varying the surface morphology of the P(St-MPS)@SiO2 composite particles. The coatings could be used in applications such as self-cleaning and oil-water separation and whole process was carried out under mild conditions and did not involve complex steps.

Automated summary

A facile method for synthesizing composite particles with raspberry-like structure was reported, resulting in a super-hydrophobic and superlipophilic surface. The particles were fabricated by dispersion polymerization, and then a raspberry-like structure was formed by hydrolysis of TEOS with the particles. The surface morphology and hydrophobic properties of the composite particles could be controlled by adjusting the reactant ratio. The resulting coating showed excellent water and oil repellency, making it suitable for applications such as self-cleaning and oil-water separation.