Innovative and cost-effective fabrication of fluorine-free superhydrophobic coating: Using polydimethylsiloxane/soil particles for surface modification

In this study, a simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly method was used to create fluorine -free superhydrophobic coatings. The coatings were prepared by modifying soil particles with polydimethylsiloxane. Different from the previously reported methods, the micro-/nanostructures of these coatings were formed using natural soil as the building block. The modified soil particles were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine their elemental compositions and functional groups, respectively. The surface topography of the coatings was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy. The resulting superhydrophobic coatings exhibited exceptional wear resistance, with a contact angle of 166.2 +/- 2.5 degrees and a sliding angle of 3.6 +/- 1.3 degrees . The coatings also had extremely low water adhesion (62 mu N) and demonstrated good mechanical, weather -resistant, and self-cleaning properties. These coatings can be applied to various materials such as cement, wood, and sponge, owing to their favorable comprehensive performance. The coatings are anticipated to find widespread application in outdoor industries.