Superhydrophobic cellulose nanocomposites

Superhydrophobic cellulose nanocomposites were prepared using a multi-step nanoengineering process. The combination of different techniques made it possible to construct novel features at the ensuing surface, characterized by both an increase in its roughness induced by amorphous silica particles and a reduction in its energy insured by perfluoro moieties, giving rise to water contact angles approaching 150°. The modification calls upon an aqueous LbL system followed by siloxane hydrolysis, both conducted at room temperature in air. Each modification was followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). These original cellulose–silica–silane composite materials open the way to further valorisations of a ubiquitous renewable resource in applications such as water repellence and self-cleaning.

Graphical abstractSuperhydrophobic cellulose nanocomposites were prepared using a multi-step nanoengineering process, making possible to construct novel features at the ensuing surface, characterized by both an increase in its roughness induced by silica particles and a reduction in its energy insured by perfluoro moieties, giving rise to water CA ≈ 150°.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide