A versatile approach for preparing self-recovering superhydrophobic coatings

Self-recovering superhydrophobic coatings (SHCs) have drawn much attention in recent years because of their unique self-recovering properties and potential industrial applications. In this study, self-recovering SHCs based on recovery of structural damage have been successfully fabricated by spraying the mixture of polymethylmethacrylate/zinc stearate/stearic acid. The SHCs display a static contact angle (CA) of 158, a sliding angle (SA) of 1 and exhibit a rough structure as shown in the SEM images. By acid rain (pH approximate to 3.5) scouring, the coatings maintain CA of 134 and high adhesion due to the broken morphology. Interestingly, the coatings restored superhydrophobicity after immersion in water for several minutes. Furthermore, the SHCs exhibit good long-term stability, water-durability and UV-durability, adapting to out-door environment. Above all, the coatings are environmental, low cost and can be quickly coated on various large-scale substrates, which will widen their practical applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.