Modifying flexible polymer films towards superhydrophobicity and superoleophobicity by utilizing water-based nanohybrid coatings

Abstract

The development of superhydrophobic and/or superoleophobic materials has been attracting the attention of the scientific community due to their wide range of applications. In this work, waterborne nanocomposite coatings were developed to be deposited onto flexible polyethylene films in order to modify them into superhydrophobic and even superoleophobic. The coatings consisted of either a low surface energy mixture of silanes/siloxanes or a fluoropolymer in conjunction with the appropriate inorganic nanoparticles that provide the necessary roughness; the effects of nanoparticle type and content on the behaviour was investigated. In both cases, the surface properties were investigated, and the polymer films were found to be superhydrophobic. Depending on the system utilized, the final material exhibited either low water adhesion, thus, being water repellent, or high water adhesion. The use of the fluoropolymer has led to coatings that exhibited superoleophobic behaviour for various organic compounds, as well. The application of the coatings did not influence either the optical transparency or the thermal properties of the polyethylene films. Moreover, the coated surfaces show similar or even better mechanical properties, scratch resistance and chemical durability in comparison to the neat LDPE film.