Fabrication and characterization of mechanically durable superhydrophobic silica

Abstract

Many researchers are working on Controlling the wettability of the surface using chemical reactions and surface roughness. When the roughness on the hydrophobic surface increases, a large amount of air can be trapped between the droplet and the surface, and the hydrophobic characteristic can be expressed. In recent years, many methods have been developed to construct superhydrophobic surfaces that do not require a subsequent low surface energy treatment with some expensive reagent. Nonetheless, there is a need for chemical methods that do not have toxicity in water repellency, studies on the persistence of water repellency, and studies on various substrates. In this study, non-fluorinated hydrophobic films were fabricated using silicone hybrid nanocomposites. The amounts of hydrophobic particels, additive and solvent are adjusted to improve adhesion and durability. We also report hydrophobic properties of silicone hybrid nanocomposite films on various substrates such as glass, PET, wood, copper plate, and cotton with inherent roughness.