The effects of polydimethylsiloxane on transparent and hydrophobic waterborne polyurethane coatings containing polydimethylsiloxane

The effects of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on phase separation, optical transmittance and surface properties including surface composition, morphology and wettability of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) containing PDMS were investigated. After the introduction of PDMS into the WPU backbone by polymerization, the large difference in the solubility parameter of the non-polar PDMS segment and the high-polar urethane segments promoted PDMS enrichment at the air–polymer interface and enhanced phase separation, resulting in rough structures. Accordingly, the combination of PDMS enrichment and the rough structures contributed to the high or superhydrophobic surfaces and the highest contact angle with water achieved was 156.5°. The optical transmittance of the highly hydrophobic coatings reached about 78–87% throughout most of the visible light region. Importantly, the highly hydrophobic and transparent properties will greatly broaden the applications of WPU, showing potential for the environmental protection and industrial applications.