Simple way to highly transparent and omniphobic coatings
A new study reports a facile approach to fabricate highly transparent omniphobic coatings only by using poly (dimethyl siloxane) as a low-surface-tension reagent incorporated into the polyurethane matrix. The resultant smooth polymer-based coating not only exhibits significant repellency to various liquids, but also has a excellent self-cleaning performance, allowing cooking oil and pump oil to slide cleanly without leaving traces.
Mechanically durable and wear-resistant
It can be easily applied onto various substrates without affecting its remarkable ink repellency, especially to impart striking anti-smudge performance to fabric. It can also effectively protect the substrate from the corrosion of chemical reagents, and it is mechanically durable and wear-resistant, which greatly enhances its practicality. As the researchers point out, it may be highly desirable because it is cheap and fluorine-free.
The study has been published in Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 179, June 2023.