Constructing non-fluorinated porous superhydrophobic SiO2-based films with robust mechanical properties

We present a cost-effective and environmentally friendly fabrication route for fluorine-free superhydrophobic SiO 2 -based films with robust mechanical properties on various substrates including soda-lime glass, fabric, paper and aluminium flake. The superhydrophobic dispersion is achieved by modifying the SiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) with hexamethyl disilazane (HMDS), in which the SiO 2 NPs are derived from base catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). The water contact angle (CA) and sliding angle (SA) of the dip-coated films from the HMDS-modified SiO 2 NPs reache ∼170° and about 2°, respectively. We particularly present a facile route to greatly enhance the mechanical durability without noticeable lossing the superhydrophobicity of the films by mixing different size ranges of SiO 2 NPs in the presence ofhydroxy acrylic resin (HAR). The synthesized SiO 2 -based organic-inorganic composite superhydrophobic films display excellent self-cleaning properties even after 100 cycles of sandpaper abrasion. Combined with the excellent superhydrophobic properties and the robust mechanical properties, the present procedure provides a facile and cost-effective synthetic protocol of constructing surfaces for not only durable self-cleaning and antifouling devices but also anti-corrosion applications.