Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces based on ZnO-PDMS nanocomposite coatings and study of its wetting behaviour

► Superhydrophobic (SH) surfaces based on ZnO-PDMS nanocomposite coatings are demonstrated by wet chemical method. ZnO coating exhibits wetting behaviour with WCA of ∼108°, on modification with PDMS, it transforms to superhydrophobic surface ∼155°. ► FESEM micrographs reveal that nanoparticles are connected to each other to make large network systems consisting of hierarchical structure. ► EPR studies on SH coatings revealed that the surface defects play a major role on the wetting behaviour. Advantages of the present method include the cheap and fluorine-free raw materials, environmentally benign solvents, and feasibility for applying on large area of different substrates.