Integrated CNTs/SiO2 nano-additives on SBS polymeric superhydrophobic coatings for self-cleaning

Styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymers were blended with carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/SiO2 nano-additives to fabricate superhydrophobic coatings for self-cleaning. When the loading of nano-additives is 20 wt-% and the mass ratio of CNTs to SiO2 is 4:1, the nanocomposite coatings show the best self-cleaning property with water contact angle of 152.5 degrees and contact angle hysteresis of 3.2 degrees. In addition, the superhydrophobic coatings exhibited good thermal stability and high mechanical stability. The superhydrophobic coatings might be extended to the design of novel superfloating and drag-reducing aquatic devices. Owing to its flexibility and simplicity, the method is not only a facile and inexpensive way to achieve the lotus effect but could also create coatings with high values in practical application.