Printable and Versatile Superhydrophobic Paper via Scalable Nonsolvent Armor Strategy

Abstract

Despite great scientific and industrial interest in waterproof cellulosic paper, its real world application is hindered by complicated and costly fabrication processes, limitations in scale-up production, and use of organic solvents. Furthermore, simultaneously achieving nonwetting properties and printability on paper surfaces still remains a technical and chemical challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a nonsolvent strategy for scalable and fast fabrication of waterproofing paper through in situ surface engineering with polysilsesquioxane nanorods (PSNRs). Excellent superhydrophobicity is attained on the functionalized paper surface with a water contact angle greater than 160°. Notably, the engineered paper features outstanding printability and writability, as well as greatly enhanced strength and integrity upon prolonged exposure to water (tensile strength ≈ 9.0 MPa). Additionally, the PSNRs concurrently armor paper-based printed items and artwork with waterproofing, self-cleaning, and antimicrobial functionalities without compromising their appearance, readability, and mechanical properties. We also demonstrate that the engineered paper holds the additional advantages of easy processing, low cost, and mechanochemical robustness, which makes it particularly promising for real world applications.

Superhydrophobic Polysilsesquioxane Nanospike/Glass Microfiber Composite for Separation of Oil–Water Mixtures

“…Figure d illustrates the effect of corrosion time on the water contact angle and sliding angle of the functional surface in HCl and NaOH solutions. With increasing corrosion time, the water contact angle on the GMF-PNS surface slightly decreased in both solutions, probably due to the gradual hydrolysis of the exposed surface . Comparatively, a more pronounced decrease in water contact angle was observed in the NaOH solution, indicating a stronger hydrolysis of the GMF-PNS surface in the strong base solution.…”

“…With increasing corrosion time, the water contact angle on the GMF-PNS surface slightly decreased in both solutions, probably due to the gradual hydrolysis of the exposed surface. 29 Comparatively, a more pronounced decrease in water contact angle was observed in the NaOH solution, indicating a stronger hydrolysis of the GMF-PNS surface in the strong base solution. Meanwhile, it is important to note that even after 90 min of continuous hydrolyzation, the GMF-PNS surface remained superhydrophobic as the water contact angle is still higher than 150°(Figure 3d).…”

“…Consequently, developing a mechanochemically stable superhydrophobic surface through a simple and environmentally friendly approach remains a highly attractive yet significant challenge. 28,29 In this work, we have developed a straightforward, one-step, solvent-free method for the in situ growth of polysilsesquioxane nanospikes (PNS) on glass microfibers. This approach not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also results in a composite material with outstanding superhydrophobic properties.…”

“…Overall, traditional methods for creating superhydrophobic materials often involve complex, multistep, and energy-intensive processes such as laser processing and use harsh chemicals that pose environmental and safety risks. , This complexity not only escalates production costs but also limits the scalability of these applications, hindering their widespread adoption. Consequently, developing a mechanochemically stable superhydrophobic surface through a simple and environmentally friendly approach remains a highly attractive yet significant challenge. , …”