Preparation and properties of modified SiO₂/epoxy resin superhydrophobic coating

Abstract

In this study, a superhydrophobic coating with excellent mechanical durability, chemical stability, anti-icing property and self-cleaning property was developed based on epoxy resin integrated with modified SiO2 nanoparticles (m-SiO2 NPs). The surface morphology and roughness of the coating were finely controlled by changing the content of m-SiO2 NPs, with optimal hydrophobicity and self-cleaning efficiency observed at the m-SiO2 NPs incorporation of 30 wt.%. Benefitting from the three-dimensional stable micro-nano structure on the coating surface, the coating exhibited durable hydrophobicity upon multiple tape-peeling damages and good resistance to both acidic and alkaline corrosive environments. Furthermore, the SiO2-EP coating showed a prominent anti-icing property which could delay the water freezing time from 96 s to 650 s. This coating underscored its potential for applications in environments prone to ice formation.