Spin‐coated transparent hydrophobic, self‐cleaning surfaces using PDMS, iTES with PF‐127

Abstract

Hydrophobic self‐cleaning surfaces exhibit low surface energy. The low surface interaction allows the water droplets to roll off easily. In this work, transparent hydrophobic coating was fabricated using precursors Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Isobutyltriethoxysilane (iTES), and Pluronic F127 (PF‐127), as pore generator. PDMS/PF‐127 and iTES/PF‐127 composite films were fabricated by acid catalyzed sol gel technique. UV‐visible spectroscopy analysis revealed enhancement of optical transparency by 3% for PDMS/PF‐127 than iTES/PF‐127 composite surface. Transparency of PDMS/PF‐127 was maintained throughout visible region proving film stability. Porous nature was confirmed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis. Water contact angle of 107° for PDMS/PF‐127 and 103° for iTES/PF‐127 was obtained. 3D laser profilometery analysis revealed PDMS/PF‐127 coated surface was rougher than iTES/PF‐127 composite film. Sand particles sprinkled on coated surface buckled upon contact with water, exhibiting self‐cleaning ability.