Angle-Independent Structurally Colored Materials with Superhydrophobicity and Self-Healing Capability

Bioinspired structurally colored materials with superwettability have aroused considerable interest, but it is still a formidable challenge to produce large-scale superhydrophobic photonic materials with high mechanical durability. Herein, a superhydrophobic photonic composite with angle-independent structural colors and self-healing capability is reported, by embedding photonic glass on a healable supramolecular polymer with hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane segments. Superhydrophobicity of the composite originates from the migration of the supramolecular polymer around the photonic glass pigments with micro-nano structure. This superhydrophobic characteristic has long-term stability that can maintain for months. Based on the self-cleaning property, nonwettability and vivid angle-independent structural colors, the composite can be applied as large-area antifouling and coloring coatings. Moreover, the reversible hydrogen bonds endow the composite with self-healing ability and mechanical durability properties, which is crucial to practical applications as biomimetic decorative materials and wearable devices.

Automated summary

The superhydrophobic photonic composite with angle-independent structural colors and self-healing capability is reported. Its long-term stability, self-cleaning property, and vivid structural colors make it suitable for large-area antifouling and coloring coatings. The reversible hydrogen bonds provide the composite with self-healing ability and mechanical durability for practical applications in biomimetic decorative materials and wearable devices.