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Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces based on ZnO–PDMS nanocomposite coatings and study of its wetting behaviour

IR@NAL: CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore

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Title Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces based on ZnO–PDMS nanocomposite coatings and study of its wetting behaviour
 
Creator Chakradhar, RPS
Dinesh Kumar, V
Rao, JL
Basu, Bharathibai J
 
Subject Composite Materials
 
Description Superhydrophobic surfaces based on ZnO–PDMS nanocomposite coatings are demonstrated by a simple, facile, time-saving, wet chemical route. ZnO nanopowders with average particle size of 14 nm were synthesized by a low temperature solution combustion method. Powder X-ray diffraction results confirm that the nanopowders exhibit hexagonal wurtzite structure and belong to space group P63mc. Field emission scanning electron micrographs reveal that the nanoparticles are connected to each other to make large network systems consisting of hierarchical structure. The as formed ZnO coating exhibits wetting behaviour with Water Contact Angle (WCA) of ∼108◦, however on modification with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), it transforms to superhydrophobic surface with measured contact and sliding angles for water at 155◦ and less than 5◦ respectively. The surface properties such as surface free energy, interfacial free energy (pw), and the adhesive work (Wpw) were evaluated. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies on superhydrophobic coatings revealed that the surface defects play a major role on the wetting behaviour. Advantages of the present method include the cheap and fluorine-free raw materials,environmentally benign solvents, and feasibility for applying on large area of different substrates.
 
Publisher Elsevier Publisher
 
Date 2011
 
Type Journal Article
PeerReviewed
 
Format application/pdf
 
Identifier http://nal-ir.nal.res.in/9792/1/APSUSC%2D2011.pdf
Chakradhar, RPS and Dinesh Kumar, V and Rao, JL and Basu, Bharathibai J (2011) Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces based on ZnO–PDMS nanocomposite coatings and study of its wetting behaviour. Applied Surface Science, 257 (20). pp. 8569-8575. ISSN 0042-207X
 
Relation http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169433211007069
http://nal-ir.nal.res.in/9792/