Superhydrophobic Copper Materials with Excellent Durability and Regeneration Based on Self-Similarity in Structure and Composition.

Abstract

The widespread application of artificial superhydrophobic material is hindered by the poor durability and regeneration of artificial superhydrophobicity. The problem is expected to be resolved by endowing the superhydrophobic material with self-similarity. Herein, Copper-based superhydrophobic material intensified by furfuryl alcohol resin (Cu/FAR) with long-term durability and high strength is developed, and the obtained Cu/FAR composite reveals excellent and durable superhydrophobicity. Moreover, it is a remarkable fact that the as-prepared superhydrophobic Cu/FAR exhibits outstanding durability and maintenance of superhydrophobicity grounded on the good self-similarity in micro-structure, chemical structure and composition both externally and internally. Consequently, the superhydrophobicity can be maintained or regenerated without difficulty even if superhydrophobic surface has been damaged or fouled accidentally. Therefore, the method provides a new thought to prepare superhydrophobic material with robust durability and outstanding maintenance.