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Transparent Superhydrophobic Coatings of Silica Nanoparticles Using Functionalized Polyurethanes
R T Birla Sheyara1,2, Periyamuthu Ramar1,2, Muthu Satheeshkumar1
1Polymer Science & Technology Department, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai, 600 020, India.
Chemistry, an Asian Journal
|April 21, 2023
Summary
Functionalized polyurethanes strongly bind silica nanoparticles to surfaces, creating durable superhydrophobic coatings. This innovation enhances water repellency and preserves material integrity for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Superhydrophobic coatings are crucial for water-repellent and self-cleaning surfaces.
- Immobilizing silica nanoparticles imparts superhydrophobicity, but direct coating often leads to poor adhesion.
- Developing robust methods for nanoparticle immobilization is essential for practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop functionalized polyurethanes for strong silica nanoparticle binding.
- To investigate the impact of functionalization on polyurethane properties and nanoparticle adhesion.
- To create durable superhydrophobic coatings on surfaces like leather.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of alkyne-terminal polyurethane via step-growth polymerization.
- Post-functionalization using click reactions with phenyl moieties.
- Characterization using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies and spin-lattice relaxation times.
- Evaluation of glass transition temperature (Tg) and plasticizing effects of additives.
- Assessment of nanoparticle-polymer interactions and surface contact angles.
Main Results:
- Functionalized polyurethanes effectively bound silica nanoparticles, confirmed by NMR.
- Increased glass transition temperature (Tg) due to functionalization was observed.
- Plasticizers were used to mitigate Tg increase for low-temperature applications.
- Superhydrophobic coatings on leather achieved contact angles over 157° with retained grain patterns.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized polyurethanes provide a robust strategy for immobilizing silica nanoparticles.
- The developed coatings offer excellent superhydrophobicity and maintain surface structural integrity.
- This approach enables the design of advanced materials with durable water-repellent properties.
