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Optimizing Superhydrophobic Coatings: The Role of Catalysts, Additives, and Composition on UV and Thermal Stability
Vinicius Diniz1,2, Susanne Rath2, Colin R Crick1
1School of Engineering and Materials Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, U.K.
Abstract:
Inverse vulcanization (IV) enables the production of sustainable polymer from sulfur waste, offering hydrophobic, fluorine-free, and superhydrophobic coatings. However, these materials need adhesion improvements for enhanced durability. This study has developed an epoxy-, fluorine-, and metal-free superhydrophobic coating using the spray-coating of carbon nanofibers (CNFs), silica nanoparticles, and IV polymers on glass. An optimized formula of 28% sulfur, 20 mg/mL CNFs, 25 mg/mL silica, and 80 mg/mL polymer-was established. Zn(DTC)2-catalyzed coatings retained superhydrophobicity for 150 tape peeling cycles, up to 250 °C, and 6 h of UV-C exposure, demonstrating a straightforward, eco-friendly approach to durable, versatile superhydrophobic coatings.
