Regenerative Superhydrophobic Paper Coatings by In Situ Formation of Waxy Nanostructures
Cynthia Cordt, Andreas Geissler, Markus Biesalski
Abstract
Abstract This scientific−technical approach describes a unique self‐structuring coating material made of wax and polysaccharide derivatives, which results in extremely water‐repellent properties if applied to solid surfaces. When cooling the coating down from the molten state, the material forms a nanostructured superhydrophobic surface within seconds. This possibility of a fast thermally induced regeneration of nanoscale surface textures creates the potential to restore superhydrophobic coating properties even after mechanical damage caused, among others, by long‐term use and complex processing and machining steps. Therefore, this coating material has great potential for engineering applications such as superhydrophobic wettability of paper surfaces. Depending on a particular application, there are different requirements for the interaction of paper with water. The highest possible water resistance, which is achieved by superhydrophobic properties, is a quality feature for a majority of paper products, such as packaging materials or novel construction materials, since the ingress of moisture is a major cause of paper damage.