A simple preparation method for superhydrophobic surface on silicon rubber and its properties

In this paper, a simple powder scattering technology is utilized to fabricate superhydrophobic surface on tetra-needle like zinc oxide whiskers (T-ZnO)/silicon rubber (SR) and ordinary zinc oxide (O-ZnO)/SR composites, respectively. The microstructure of two surfaces is investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy are applied to qualitatively analyze substances on two superhydrophobic surfaces. The hydrophobicity and self-cleaning property of the surface are examined by contact angle meter and self-cleaning test, respectively. In addition, bounce performance of water droplets on the hydrophobic surface is tested via a highspeed camera. The results show that the static contact angle (CA) between water and surface of T-ZnO/SR is 154.26 +/- 1.2 degrees, and the rolling angle (RA) is 5 +/- 1.8 degrees. However, the static CA between water and O-ZnO/SR surface is 150.47 +/- 1.1 degrees and the RA is larger than 90 degrees. The superhydrophobic surface on T-ZnO/SR shows smaller adhesiveness to water and exhibits better self-cleaning property. Besides that, better bounce performance of water droplets on T-ZnO/SR superhydrophobic surface is realized.