A novel dual-layer approach towards omniphobic polyurethane coatings

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Omniphobic surfaces offer diverse applications but traditional fabrication relies on environmentally harmful fluorinated materials.
• Developing sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives is crucial for broader practical implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, environmentally benign dual-layer fabrication approach for omniphobic surfaces.
• To create and characterize omniphobic polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites with enhanced properties.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of dual-layer coatings using polyurethane (PU) as a matrix and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a self-cleaning ingredient.
• Incorporation of nanofillers (nanoclay, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), graphene oxide (GO)) into PU matrix to create nanocomposites.
• Evaluation of coating performance including optical clarity, durability, and self-cleaning properties; microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of omniphobic PU coatings and nanocomposites using a dual-layer approach.
• Demonstrated self-cleaning properties and good optical clarity and durability of the developed coatings.
• SEM analysis confirmed the microstructural characteristics of the coatings.

Conclusions:

• The developed dual-layer fabrication method using PU and PDMS offers an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to fluorinated materials for omniphobic surfaces.
• This approach facilitates the creation of functional omniphobic PU nanocomposites with potential for widespread practical applications.