Long term environmental durability of a superhydrophobic silicone nanofilament coating

We report the results of extensive studies on the environmental durability of a transparent superhydrophobic silicone nanofilament coating developed in our lab. Both natural and artificial weathering test have been performed, revealing a true potential for outdoor applications. The coating retains its superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties for at least 1 year of outdoor weathering, the longest time ever reported for a coating of this kind. Under artificial weathering the coating is impervious to (global) UV radiation but shows accelerated aging under the so called Acid Dew and Fog Test (ADF). Annealing the coating significantly improves its performance and durability.