Interaction of superhydrophobic materials with aqueous solutions and organic solvents

Abstract

The interaction of a fluorine-containing superhydrophobic (SHP) coating on the surface of a siloxane rubber with aqueous solutions and organic solvents was studied by wettability analysis. The long-term durability of the coating against the damaging action of atmosperic precipitates saturated with salt ions, acid rains, as well as a number of organic solvents was demonstrated. The resistance of the coating to highly alkaline media is lower than to a neutral medium because of the hydrolysis of Si—O—Si bonds and amide groups. The low resistance of the fluorine-containing SHP coating to acetone is due to the swelling of the substrate and mechanical destruction of the fluoroorganic component.