Rewritable superhydrophobic coatings fabricated using water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol
Xiao Gong, Ligui Zhang, Shuang He, Shaohua Jiang, Wufeng Wang, Yongzhong Wu
Abstract
Superhydrophobic surface has potential applications in various fields due to its excellent water repellency. In particular, fluorine-free superhydrophobic film has attracted extensive attentions. In this study, an eco-friendly and rewritable superhydrophobic coating is successfully prepared by a simple spray-coating method. Hydrophilic silica nanoparticles are immobilized on a substrate by water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and then the surface is further modified by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to obtain a superhydrophobic coating. The prepared coating has a water contact angle of 160o, and exhibits good stability. Most importantly, when the superhydrophobic coating is no longer needed, it can be removed and the substrate can be reused. The eco-friendly and rewritable superhydrophobic coating should have promising potentials in daily life.