TiO₂-PDMS Multifunctional Superhydrophobic Coatings with Excellent Anti-fouling and Self-healing Properties

Abstract

A two-step approach was employed to create a composite coating consisting of TiO₂ nanoparticles and extremely elastic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The TiO₂-PDMS composite coating demonstrates exceptional superhydrophobicity and antifouling efficacy, as evidenced by the static contact angle, contact angle hysteresis, and antifouling tests. The electron microscopic analysis reveals that the composite coating consists of TiO₂ particles and agglomerates, which forms a dual-level roughness structure at the nanometer and micron scales. This unique structure promotes the Cassie-Baxter state of the coating when in contact with the liquid, resulting in an increased static contact angle and a reduced contact angle hysteresis. The PDMS primer facilitates the attachment of TiO₂ particles, resulting in a composite coating with excellent scratch-resistant characteristics. Additionally, the PDMS primer possesses the capacity to retain low surface energy modifiers. Simultaneously, the PDMS primer serves as a reservoir for a low surface energy modifier, enhancing the self-repairing properties of the TiO₂-PDMS composite coating. This composite coating exhibits effective self-cleaning capabilities against many forms of contaminants, including liquids, solids, and slurries.

Keywords

superhydrophobic / self-cleaning / scratch-resistant / self-healing / two-stage rough structure

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