Poly[bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] superhydrophobic nanofibers

Nanofibers of poly [bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] were produced by electrospinning from solutions in tetrahydrofuran, methylethyl ketone, and acetone. The fiber diameter varied from 80 nm to 1.4 mu m by changes in the concentration of the polymer solution. The electrospun nonwoven mats showed enhanced surface hydrophobicity compared to spun cast films with up to a 55 degrees increase in water contact angle, The hydrophobicity varied with fiber diameter and surface morphology, with contact tingles to water being in the range of 135 degrees-159 degrees. A low value of hysteresis (<4 degrees) was recorded for the superhydrophobic surface. The extremely high hydrophobicity of these mats is a combined result of I fluorinated surface and the inherent surface roughness of an electrospun mat.