Influence of the coating method on the formation of superhydrophobic silicone–urea surfaces modified with fumed silica nanoparticles

Abstract

Effect of the coating method on the formation of superhydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane–urea copolymer (TPSC) surfaces, modified by the incorporation of hydrophobic fumed silica nanoparticles was investigated. Four different coating methods employed were: (i) layer-by-layer spin-coating of hydrophobic fumed silica dispersed in an organic solvent onto TPSC films, (ii) spin-coating of silica–polymer mixture onto a glass substrate, (iii) spray coating of silica/polymer mixture by an air-brush onto a glass substrate, and (iv) direct coating of silica–polymer mixture by a doctor blade onto a glass substrate. Influence of the coating method, composition of the polymer/silica mixture and the number of silica layers applied on the topography and wetting behavior of the surfaces were determined. Surfaces obtained were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), white light interferometry (WLI) and advancing and receding water contact angle measurements. It was demonstrated that superhydrophobic surfaces could be obtained by all methods. Surfaces obtained displayed hierarchical micro-nano structures and superhydrophobic behavior with static and advancing water contact angles well above 150° and fairly low contact angle hysteresis values.