Robust superhydrophobic fabrics by infusing structured polydimethylsiloxane films

Superhydrophobic coatings have large application potential in self-cleaning textiles. Low durability, high cost of fabrication, and environmental concerns over the usage chemicals such as fluorocarbons limit utilization superhydrophobic coatings. This study reports a convenient inexpensive approach to fabricate robust fluorine-free fabrics based on transfer structured polymer films hydrophobic nanoparticles. In this approach, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is infused between sheets fabric paper, followed by curing removal paper. process results with PDMS whose structure negative replica paper surface. Then, nanoparticles are sprayed onto side fabric. The infusion subsequent deposition enables strong bonding, shown excellent solvent stability under ultrasonication. proposed universal that it can be applied almost any textiles, which upon coating, exhibited superhydrophobicity water contact angle 172° sliding 3°. Furthermore, showed durability against spray impact mechanical bending where keep for at least 200 cycles each test.