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Published on: August 15, 2018
Recent advances in superhydrophobic polyurethane: preparations and applications
Hui Zhao1, Wei-Chen Gao2, Qing Li3
1Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products, Guangxi University for Nationalities, Nanning 530006, China; Guangxi Bossco Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China.
This review details methods for creating superhydrophobic polyurethane (SHPU). These advanced materials offer solutions for applications requiring extreme water repellency, such as coatings and oil spill cleanup.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Polyurethane (PU) is widely used but lacks sufficient superhydrophobicity for advanced applications.
- Developing superhydrophobic polyurethane (SHPU) is crucial for expanding PU's utility.
- A comprehensive review of SHPU preparation methods is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent preparation methods for superhydrophobic polyurethane (SHPU).
- To consolidate knowledge on SHPU development based on superhydrophobic theories.
- To highlight advancements in SHPU technology.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of low surface energy materials (silicides, fluorides).
- Fabrication of micro/nano-scale rough surfaces via electrospinning or nanoparticle grafting.
- Synergistic approaches combining surface energy reduction and surface roughness.
Main Results:
- Identified three primary strategies for enhancing PU hydrophobicity.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of silicide/fluoride incorporation for lowering surface energy.
- Highlighted the role of surface morphology control (micro/nano-structuring) in achieving superhydrophobicity.
Conclusions:
- SHPU preparation involves surface energy modification and/or surface texturing.
- Synergistic methods offer enhanced superhydrophobicity.
- SHPU shows promise in diverse applications including oil spill treatment, protective coatings, self-healing materials, and sensors.
