Influence of production method, silicone type and thickness on silicon rubber superhydrophobic coatings

This study evaluates the influence of production method, silicone fluid, rubber type and thickness on the hydrophobic properties of RTV silicone rubber coatings that are used for high voltage insulators. These coatings were fabricated from simple mixing of silicone rubber and nanofluoric particles and were cured at room temperature. The results determined that the production method could increase the contact angle and reduce the sliding angle of coatings. Also, silicone fluid reduced the hydrophobicity of coatings. Coatings prepared from silicone rubbers containing silica filler indicated lower contact angles and higher sliding angles. The increasing of coating thickness could reduce the hydrophobicity of coatings and decrease the surface roughness.