pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S06 - Polymer Nanocomposites
Oral Presentation
 
 

Development of Super-Robust Volumetric Superhydrophobic Nanocomposite using Nano-Sized Fumed Silica and Micro-Sized Diatomaceous Earth

Vazirinasab Elham (1)*

(1) Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi - Quebec - Canada

Development of robust water repellent superhydrophobic surfaces was obstructed by the inherent fragility of the micro- and nano-scale surface roughnesses prone to getting damaged during applying mechanical forces. Here a non-fluorinated volumetric superhydrophobic nanocomposite showing mechanochemical robustness is reported through the addition of diatomaceous earth and fumed silica particles to the high-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber. The high water contact angle of 163° and low contact angle hysteresis of 2° was achieved for the volumetric superhydrophobic nanocomposite thoroughly preserved after several severe mechanical damages i.e. sandpaper and knife scratching, tape peeling, water jets and sandblasting. Although the water repellency of the prepared nanocomposites was deteriorated after long-time exposure to ultrasonication, it was restored by sandpaper abrasion thanks to the low surface energy micro/nanostructures extending within the entire body of the nanocomposite. Moreover, in addition to profilometry used to verify the roughness on the surface and within the bulk of the nanocomposites, FTIR analysis characterized their chemical composition.