Hydrophobic composite coatings with photocatalytic self-cleaning properties by micro/nanoparticles mixed with fluorocarbon resin

A newly developed hydrophobic composite coating was fabricated by incorporating modified TiO2 nanoparticles and hydrophobic material polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micropowders dispersed in fluorocarbon resin. Moreover, the surface characteristics and self-cleaning properties of the newly developed composite material were examined. The material was found to exhibit sufficient hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 133°. The surface free energy of the composite coating was 4.11 mJ/m2. Scanning electron microscopy results revealed a micro/nanocomposite structure composed of PTFE micropowders and TiO2 nanoparticles, which was verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results. Through ultraviolet irradiation the modified TiO2-PTFE/FEVE composite coating successfully removed oleic acid absorbed on its surface. These results showed that the functional composite coating had a sufficiently hydrophobic surface with an efficient self-cleaning effect.