Superhydrophobic coatings prepared from methyl-modified silica particles using simple dip-coating method

Abstract

A simple and time-saving approach for preparing self-cleaning superhydrophobic silica coatings using a dip-coating technique is reported in this study. Commercially available silica particles were modified with methyl groups using methyltrichlorosilane as a modifying agent. By adopting a multi-layer deposition process, a superhydrophobic silica coating with a water contact angle of 153 degrees +/- 2 degrees and roll-off angle of 8 degrees +/- 1 degrees was obtained. The prepared silica coating exhibited excellent self-cleaning performance; moreover, it was able to maintain superhydrophobicity under the impact of a water jet. This method could be an effective strategy for fabricating self-cleaning superhydrophobic surfaces for promising industrial applications. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.