Optimizing dual hierarchical textured superhydrophobic paper for enhanced writing and printing performance: balancing water resistance and ink adhesion

Abstract

Superhydrophobic printable and writable cellulose paper preparation requirements are becoming increasingly significant in the current climate for a variety of important applications. The present work introduces a simple and successful approach for creating a superhydrophobic paper that can be printed and written on while maintaining its water repellent properties. The paper is coated with modified silica utilizing tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), methyltriethoxysilane (MTES), 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H – perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFOTES), and acrylic binder via a dip coating process. As a result of multi-layer deposition of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) microbeads with nano-micro size mountain-like wrinkled coating on each bead, the treated paper develops a nano/microstructure with a water contact angle (WCA) of 152° ± 2° and a water sliding angle (WSA) of 7° ± 0.5°. This superhydrophobic surface retains its superhydrophobicity after 50 abrasion cycles on sandpaper and maintains its self-cleaning property with soil particles and many types of liquids. The superhydrophobic paper products have a higher tensile strength (∼6 MPa) than non-treated paper (∼2 MPa) while preserving superhydrophobicity across pH ranges 5–11. The treated papers show excellent printability and writability and retain their superhydrophobicity after printing and writing. This superhydrophobic paper can be used to create waterproof paper-based printed products and artwork.