A fluorine-free and nanoparticle-free superhydrophobic coating: A mechanism and self-cleaning application investigation

• Published in: Applied surface science 2023-01, Vol.608, p.155103, Article 155103
• Main Authors: Liu, Yan, Han, Xueyang, Chen, Chao, Huang, Chengyi, Long, Lulu, He, Yan, Yang, Gang, Shen, Fei, Zhang, Xiaohong, Zhang, Yanzong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Architectural exterior bricks; Distearoyl isopropoxy aluminate; Self-cleaning; Spray coating; Superhydrophobic; Weatherability
• ISSN: 0169-4332
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.155103

[Display omitted] •A novel super-hydrophobic self-cleaning coating were prepared in one step.•Rough structure change was achieved by controlling the reaction temperature.•The microstructure changes of aluminate coupling agent (HY-988) were studied.•Inorganic nanoparticles, silane and fluoro silane were not used.•The self-cleaning layer can effectively deal with the problem of building pollution. In this study, an unconventional superhydrophobic surface construction technique was explored that used aluminate coupling agent (ACA) as raw material to prepare a fluorine-free and nanoparticle-free superhydrophobic coating with “rose” micro-nano structure. Mechanistic investigations proved that the structure of HY-988 was caused by the gas released from the internal reaction when heated, with the reaction temperature and time as the main influencing factors. The prepared coating exhibited excellent superhydrophobicity, peel resistance, and mechanical impact resistance. After 50 times of water impact or 180 days of exposure to air, its water contact angle (WCA) was still 154°. It showed good durability and self-cleaning effect on architectural appearance when combined with resin. Therefore, it can be concluded that the process is scalable, which not only provides a new method for the preparation of durable superhydrophobic coatings, but also opens up a new route for the applications of ACA.