Scalable superhydrophobic coatings with recycled polypropylene

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP), a preferred choice of material for superhydrophobic coatings, often encounters solubility challenges due to its chemical inertness. This work addresses the persistent solubility challenges in polypropylene (PP) coatings by partially oxidizing PP to enhance its solubility at lower temperatures. The elevated solubility makes coatings with PP solution at room or near room temperatures feasible for widespread substrate application, rendering the process scalable, environmentally friendly and safer. Additionally, this approach enhances coating characteristics and eliminates the need to initially synthesize sample with specific morphology and surface roughness. Utilizing recycled PP for coating also aids to address the issue of plastic pollution.