Fabrication of Silica/PMMA Composite Based Superhydrophobic Coating by Drop Casting Method

Abstract

The dirt particles are detached and carried away by freely rolling water drops from superhydrophobic surfaces performing self-cleaning ability. Hence, the self-cleaning superhydrophobic surfaces are gaining huge attention of industries due to their useful day-to-day applications. Herein, we synthesized the hydrophobic silica nanoparticles by sol-gel processing of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS). The nanocomposite solution consisting suspension of silica nanoparticles in poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) was applied on glass substrate by simple drop casting method. The microscale roughness of the coating facilitated air trapping in the rough protrusions resulting water contact angle higher than 168°. The self-cleaning ability and mechanical durability of the superhydrophobic coating were also evaluated.