A novel method to fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces based on well-defined mulberry-like particles and self-assembly of polydimethylsiloxane

A superhydrophobic surface was obtained by combining application of CaCO3/SiO2 mulberry-like composite particles, which originated from violent stirring and surface modi. cation, and self-assembly of polydimethylsiloxane. Water contact angle and sliding angle of the superhydrophobic surface were measured to be about 164 +/- 2.5 degrees and 5 degrees, respectively. The excellent hydrophobicity is attributed to the synergistic effect of micro-submicro-nano-meter scale roughness (fabricated by composite particles) and the low surface energy (provided by polydimethylsiloxane). This procedure makes it possible for widespread applications of superhydrophobic film due to its simplicity and practicability. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.