Controlling water adhesion on superhydrophobic surfaces with bi-functional polymers

With an aim to control the surface hydrophobicity and water adhesion, as observed on various natural surfaces, novel 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) monomers having one two 3-trimethylsilylpropyl (TMS) groups were synthesized subjected electropolymerization form coatings. The monomer ProDOT is employed owing its tendency fibrous structures by [T. Darmanin, F. Guittard, Mater. Chem. Phys. 146 (2014) 6–11], whereas TMS generate very low energies comparable short chain fluorocarbons [N. M. Kovalchuk, et al., Colloids Surfaces A 604 (2020) 125277.]. It shown that even though these types of lead structures, dimensions fibers well wetting properties are different. with only a single group (ProDOTSiMe3) generates extremely long nanofibers roughness. resulting surfaces have high apparent contact angles (?w) up 141.7° strong similar rose petals or gecko feet. On other hand, analogue (ProDOT(SiMe3)2) forms but superhydrophobic ?w > 160° ultra-low adhesion (hysteresis sliding < 1°), lotus leaves. These results point interesting applications offering over whilst maintaining hydrophobicity.