Synergistic reinforced superhydrophobic paper with green, durability, and antifouling function

Among the various paper-based technologies that exist today, superhydrophobic paper has attracted considerable attention owing to its incredible repellency and antifouling behavior against both water and oil based liquids. However, its practical applications are limited due to its poor durability and the use of fluorochemicals during the preparation process, which are harmful to both humans and environment. Herein, we developed a synergistic reinforced superhydrophobic paper (SRSP) using green-based waxes as an adhesive for grafting hydrophobic nanoparticles, thereby reducing safety and environmental concerns as well as improving durability. The resulting paper exhibits strong durability to sandpaper abrasion, finger-wipe, knife-scratch, tape-peeling, bending, folding, and sustained exposure to corrosion media. Additionally, not only does the SRSP surface directly prevented adhesion of water-based contaminants (e.g., muddy water, coca cola, or milk), but also indirectly repelled solid contaminants (e.g., hydrophilic or hydrophobic particles) upon washing with water, thereby demonstrating highly efficient antifouling ability. Intriguingly, the silicone oil-infused SRSP surface could easily repelled low-surface-energy droplets such as hot water, oil, or fouled oil. It is envisioned that the SRSP developed in this study can find potential applications in microfluidics, recyclable packaging materials, paper-based flexible electronics, and new sophisticated membrane-type materials.

Automated summary

In this study, a synergistic reinforced superhydrophobic paper (SRSP) using green-based waxes as an adhesive for grafting hydrophobic nanoparticles was developed, improving durability and reducing safety and environmental concerns. The resulting paper showed strong resistance to various physical and chemical tests and demonstrated efficient antifouling ability against water-based and solid contaminants. The SRSP has potential applications in microfluidics, recyclable packaging materials, paper-based flexible electronics, and new sophisticated membrane-type materials.