Fabrication of superhydrophobic polyurethane/MoS2 nanocomposite coatings with wear-resistance

A simple approach was proposed to fabricate a wear-resistant superhydrophobic coating by spraying the suspensions of polyurethane (PU)/molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) on various substrates. The PU/55.6%MoS2 coating with papillae-like rough structure showed superhydrophobic behavior with the water contact angle of 157 degrees. After chemical modification, the coating displayed both superhydrophobicity and superoleophobicity. Meanwhile, the abrasion resistance of the coating was investigated by mechanical abrasion tests. The PU/MoS2 coating could still preserve the superhydrophobic properties after sliding against stainless steel. Moreover, the friction and wear behaviors of the coatings were evaluated in ball-on-plate configuration using a UMT-3 friction and wear tester. The coatings exhibited stable friction coefficient and excellent wear-resistance (6000 cycles). Therefore, the wear-resistant superhydrophobic PU/MoS2 coating would be a good candidate for liquid-repellent surfaces to meet emerging needs in practical applications. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.