Durable and self-healing superhydrophobic surfaces for building materials

The large-scale industrial applications of superhydrophobic surfaces are restricted by their poor mechanical properties. We present a facile method to produce a mechanically durable superhydrophobic surface on building materials, which has the added feature to restore its properties after severe abrasion. These superhydrophobic surfaces were fabricated, from hydrophobic silica nanoparticles and commercially available spray adhesive, on three commercially available construction materials i.e. bricks, marble and glass. The prepared surfaces were able to sustain the impact of sand particles traveling at a speed of 11.26 km/h, and also revamp their superhydrophobic character by simple acetone treatment upon receiving severe damages from emery paper and knife scratches.