Fabrication and characterization of a cotton candy like surface with superhydrophobicity

Superhydrophobic thin films were prepared on glass by air-brushing the in situ polymerization compositions of D5/SiO2. The wettability and morphology were investigated by contact angle measurement and scanning electron microscopy. The most superhydrophobic samples prepared had a static water contact angle of 157° for a 5 μl droplet and a sliding angle of ∼1° for 10 μl droplet. Thermal stability analysis showed that the surface maintained superhydrophobic at temperature up to 450 °C. Air trapping and capillary force on superhydrophobic behavior were evaluated.

Research highlights► In this study, the in situ polymerization compositions of D5/SiO2 used to prepare superhydrophobic films are novel and first time. ► The fabrication of the superhydrophobic film can be achieved by one step and it has a thermal stability up to 450 °C. This provides a sample and inexpensive method to fabricate superhydrophobic surface with high temperature resistance. ► We introduced a sample 2-D model to simulate and analyses the wetting behavior, air trapping and capillary force on superhydrophobic behavior were evaluated.