Durable, robust and free-standing superhydrophobic poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) nanofiber membrane

A simple and straightforward method for preparation of durable, robust and free-standing superhydrophobic poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) nanofiber membrane (PVA-co-PE NFM) is reported. PVA-co-PE nanofibers were synthesized by melt-blend extrusion and phase separation method, and their membrane was prepared by nanofiber suspension coating technique. Post-surface chemical modification on prepared NFM was performed by anchoring low surface-energy fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) molecules using dip-coating to get superhydrophobic NFM. The FAS-modified NFM had depicted a high water contact angle of 151°, robust water-repellence and sustained durability in superhydrophobic behavior against corrosive solutions and UV-radiations.