Preparation of Nebula-like Polysiloxane/Silica Superhydrophobic Composite Microspheres Controlled by Density Method

Abstract In this study, flower-shaped nano-silica was prepared through a calcination method, and then modified. Then using the method of free radical polymerization, and polysiloxane composite compounded with siloxane. The prepared composite microspheres combined the stability of polysiloxane with the unique surface morphology of flower-shaped nano-silica. The relative density of the composite material was controlled by the significant difference in density between siloxane microspheres and nano-silica. The structure and morphology of the composite microspheres were characterized and analyzed using FTIR, SEM, and other tests. The results showed successful compounding of siloxane and nano-silica, resulting in superhydrophobic polysiloxane/nano-SiO 2 composite microspheres with a water contact angle of 152°. The composite microspheres exhibited a nebula-like overall structure.