Superhydrophobicity of superparamagnetic nanocomposite modified with polystyrene

In this work, we report the fabrication of magnetic superhydrophobic nanocomposite by combining of the organic and inorganic materials. The resulting products were characterized by means of Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FI-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The results indicated that polystyrene can be grafted onto Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles via covalent bond. Surface wetting properties of the magnetic PS-g-Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles film were evaluated by measuring water contact angle which were measured to be 160° and a water droplet roll-off angle of less than 5°. Moreover, based on the magnetism analysis of the PS-g-Fe3O4@SiO2, it has superparamagnetic property. The excellent superhydrophobic and superparamagnetic property enlarges potential applications of the superhydrophobic surfaces.

► Magnetic superhydrophobic nanocomposite was synthesized. ► The obtained samples have superparamagnetic property. ► The obtained samples have superparamagnetic property.