One-step fabrication of a robust and transparent superhydrophobic self-cleaning coating using a hydrophobic binder at room temperature: A combined experimental and molecular dynamics simulation study

• Published in: Surface & coatings technology 2023-11, Vol.472, p.129943, Article 129943
• Main Authors: Hong, Zixiao, Xu, Yuxin, Ye, Daiqi, Hu, Yun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Binder; Molecular dynamics simulation; Room temperature preparation; Superhydrophobic coating; Transparency
• ISSN: 0257-8972; 1879-3347
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2023.129943

Superhydrophobic coatings, as a type of functionalized coatings, are extensively studied in the field of self-cleaning. However, obtaining superhydrophobic coatings with excellent transparency and robustness through a simple fabrication process remains a challenge. In this work, we synthesize a hydrophobic binder using hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HTPDMS) as the main raw material. We also hydrophobically modify SiO2 nanoparticles as low surface energy substances. The superhydrophobic coating is then obtained by a simple spraying method and cured at room temperature. The combination of the binder and nanoparticles in the right amount forms a rough structure that is able to combine transparency and superhydrophobicity, resulting in a coating with a light transmission of about 88 % and a contact angle of 162°. The presence of PDMS component in the binder enhances the chemical durability and mechanical robustness of the superhydrophobic coating. The coating is not only self-cleaning but also suitable for a wide range of substrates. Furthermore, the kinetic and energetic analysis of the solid-liquid interface using molecular dynamics simulation provides theoretical support for the superhydrophobicity of the coating at a microscopic level. [Display omitted] •An eco-friendly and room-temperature curable hydrophobic binder was prepared.•The coating achieves a balance between transparency and superhydrophobicity.•The one-step fabrication process of the coating is simple and suitable for large-scale application.•The excellent superhydrophobicity of the coating was verified at a microscopic level using molecular dynamics simulation.