Development of polyurethane-based superhydrophobic coatings on steel surfaces

In this study, a superhydrophobic coating on steel surface has been developed with polyurethane, SiO₂ nanoparticles and hexadecyltrimethoxysilane by using a spin-coating technique. Characterization of the coated steel surface was done by using the contact angle measurement technique, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. With a water tilt angle of 4° ± 2° and static contact angle of 165° ± 5°, the coated surface shows a superhydrophobic and self-cleaning nature. Chemical, thermal, mechanical stability tests and droplet dynamic studies were done to evaluate performance of the coating. Excellent self-cleaning, anti-fogging and anti-corrosion properties of coated steel surfaces make them ideal for industrial applications. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 3)'.