A waterborne coating system for preparing superamphiphobic surfaces
A study has proven that lyophobic nanoparticles, fluorinated alkyl silane and fluorocarbon surfactant can form a stable dispersion in water, suitable for preparing durable superamphiphobic surfaces on various solid substrates.
Existing coating systems for preparing superamphiphobic surfaces are predominantly confined to small-scale uses due to the heavy use of organic solvents. Waterborne coating treatment is highly desirable for the high safety, low cost, and non-environmental impact, but it remains difficult to develop due to the problems in forming durable, homogeneous coating from an aqueous dispersion of amphiphobic substances.
Self-healing ability against damages
A series of substrates including fabrics, sponge, wood, glass, and metal, after being coated with this ternary coating system, shows superamphiphobicity with low contact angle hysteresis. The coating is durable enough against physical abrasion, repeated washing, boiling in water, and strong acid/base attacks. Benefiting from alkyl silane, the coating also has a self-healing ability against both physical and chemical damages. The unexpected stability of the ternary dispersion is a result of the synergistic interaction of the three ingredients. Results from this study may promote the wide development of safe and cost-efficient superamphiphobic techniques for diverse applications.
The study is published in: Advanced Functional Materials.
