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Near infrared light responsive self-healing superhydrophobic coating based on solid wastes
Wei Li1, Xinhai Zhang1, Xufeng Yu2
1Department of Materials Science and the Advanced Films Research Center of the China Educational Ministry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|November 1, 2019
Summary
This study developed a self-healing superhydrophobic coating using recycled polystyrene foam and silica gel waste. The innovative coating repairs itself after near-infrared light exposure, offering a sustainable solution to environmental pollution.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Solid wastes like polystyrene foam and silica gel pose environmental challenges, contributing to pollution and health risks.
- Recycling and reusing these ubiquitous materials are gaining significant attention for sustainable development.
- Developing advanced materials from waste products is crucial for mitigating environmental impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a novel self-healing superhydrophobic coating utilizing recycled polystyrene foam and fluorinated silica gel waste.
- To incorporate near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive microcapsules for autonomous repair capabilities.
- To evaluate the coating's durability, superhydrophobicity, and self-healing mechanism on various substrates.
Main Methods:
- Blending recycled polystyrene foam waste with F-silica gel waste and octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS) modified silica particles.
- Synthesizing NIR-responsive microcapsules via electrostatic adsorption of carbon nanoparticles onto perfluorinated silane-loaded microcapsules.
- Characterizing the coating's superhydrophobic properties, durability (sand-drop test), and self-healing performance upon NIR irradiation.
Main Results:
- A self-healing superhydrophobic coating was successfully fabricated using waste materials.
- The coating demonstrated rapid self-healing of its superhydrophobic property within 10 minutes of NIR irradiation.
- The coating exhibited excellent durability and maintained its superhydrophobicity even after rigorous testing, such as the sand-drop test.
Conclusions:
- Recycled polystyrene foam and silica gel waste can be effectively repurposed into high-performance superhydrophobic coatings.
- The developed coating offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for surface protection with self-healing capabilities.
- This approach provides a promising pathway for waste valorization and the development of advanced functional materials.
