Enhanced Hydrofobicity of Polymers for Personal Protective Equipment Achieved by Chemical and Physical Modification

Abstract

The article presents significant results in research on creating superhydrophobic properties of materials which can be used as an interesting material for use in self-cleaning polymer protective gloves and similar applications where the superhydrophobicity plays a significant role. In this work the influence of laser surface modification of MVQ silicone rubber was investigated. The research was conducted using a nanosecond-pulsed laser at 1060 nm wavelength. After a process of laser ablation, the surface condition was examined using a SEM microscope and infrared spectroscopy. During the tests, the contact angle was checked both before and after the laser modification of samples pre-geometrised in the process of their production. The test results presented in the paper indicate that the chemical and physical modifications contribute to the change in the MVQ silicone rubber contact angle. A significant increase (by more than 30°) in the contact angle to 138° was observed. It was confirmed that surface geometrisation is not the only factor contributing to an increase in the contact angle of the analyzed material; other factors include a change in laser texturing parameters, such as mean beam power, pulse duration, scanning speed and pulse repetition frequency.

The New Elastomeric Compounds Made of Butyl Rubber Filled with Phyllosilicates, Characterized by Increased Barrier Properties and Hydrophobicity and Reduced Chemical Degradation

“…The popularity of rubbers is due to good performance properties and the possibility of functionalization [ 1 ]. The areas of particular interest in elastomer research include such features as self-healing, shape memory effect [ 2 , 3 ], superhydrophobicity [ 4 ], reinforced mechanical properties, improved barrier properties [ 5 ], and enhanced damping properties [ 6 , 7 ].…”

“…The opportunities provided by rubbers make it possible to create both elastomeric materials that perfectly dampen vibrations and those that can be repaired after breaking. For this reason, elastomers are widely used in such fields as automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, and household appliances [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Noteworthy among rubbers is butyl rubber (IIR).…”

Role of Surface Topography in the Superhydrophobic Effect—Experimental and Numerical Studies

“…One of the methodologies utilized to achieve roughness for hydrophobic surfaces is laser patterning. Depending on the wavelength and duration of the pulse beam, the contact angle can be tailored to achieve high values [19]. There are also several other methods for surface texturization.…”

Evaluation of laser texturing in fabricating cut-resistant surfaces for protective gloves

“…Works aimed at strengthening polymer materials through laser texturing are becoming increasingly popular in protective materials. 14,15 Studies of the interaction of a laser beam with fabrics are known in the literature. At the end of the 20th century, Bahners 16 published a work on the modification of the surface of synthetic fibers included in textile products with the use of excimer laser pulses.…”

“…Works aimed at strengthening polymer materials through laser texturing are becoming increasingly popular in protective materials. 14,15…”