A Thermochromic Superhydrophobic Surface

Highly enhanced solid-state thermochromism is observed in regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene), P3HT, when deposited on a superhydrophobic polymer-SiO 2 nanocomposite coating. The conformal P3HT coating on the nanocomposite surface does not alter or reduce superhydrophicity while maintaining its reve...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2016-06, Vol.6 (1), p.27984-27984, Article 27984
Main Authors: Cataldi, Pietro, Bayer, Ilker S., Cingolani, Roberto, Marras, Sergio, Chellali, Ryad, Athanassiou, Athanassia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
639/301
639/301/923/1030
Adhesion
Adhesives
Aluminum
Contact angle
Humanities and Social Sciences
Hydrophobic surfaces
multidisciplinary
Nanocomposites
Nanoparticles
Nanostructured materials
Polymers
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Solvents
Thin films
Transistors
X-ray diffraction
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Summary:Highly enhanced solid-state thermochromism is observed in regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene), P3HT, when deposited on a superhydrophobic polymer-SiO 2 nanocomposite coating. The conformal P3HT coating on the nanocomposite surface does not alter or reduce superhydrophicity while maintaining its reversible enhanced thermochromism. The polymeric matrix of the superhydrophobic surface is comprised of a blend of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) copolymer and an acrylic adhesive. Based on detailed X -ray diffraction measurements, this long-lasting, repeatable and hysteresis-free thermochromic effect is attributed to the enhancement of the Bragg peak associated with the d -spacing of interchain directional packing (100) which remains unaltered during several heating-cooling cycles. We propose that the superhydrophobic surface confines π–π interchain stacking in P3HT with uniform d -spacing into its nanostructured texture resulting in better packing and reduction in face-on orientation. The rapid response of the system to sudden temperature changes is also demonstrated by water droplet impact and bounce back on heated surfaces. This effect can be exploited for embedded thin film temperature sensors for metal coatings.
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/srep27984