Role of nanoparticles in phase separation and final morphology of superhydrophobic polypropylene/zinc oxide nanocomposite surfaces

- Addition of ZnO nanoparticles causes strong superhydrophobicity in PP coatings.
- High ZnO content deteriorates superhydrophobicity due to OH groups on their surfaces.
- Calcination of ZnO nanoparticles counterbalances the loss in contact angle.
- A mechanism for formation of nano and micro/nanostructures is presented.
- Nucleating role of ZnO was demonstrated to change the final morphology of the coating.