UV and thermally stable polystyrene-MWCNT superhydrophobic coatings

A facile method for ultraviolet (UV) and thermally stable polystyrene-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PS-MWCNT) superhydrophobic coatings was demonstrated by a simple spray coating method. The superhydrophobicity was understood by an increase in micro/nano roughness with the addition of MWCNTs. Surface morphology of the coatings showed protrusion like structure. The wetting behavior of the coatings was studied as a function of temperature, and it is observed that the coatings were superhydrophobically stable up to 250 degrees C. A transformation of superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic state is achieved at 300 degrees C. The coatings remained superhydrophobically stable when it was subjected to UV-irradiation and water immersion of 50 h. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a small shift (10 degrees) towards higher temperature region with an addition of MWCNTs, suggesting the presence of weak interactions between PS and MWCNT, which is also supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies. Both hydrophilic and superhydrophobic coatings find potential applications in our daily life. Copyright (C) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.