Preparation of superhydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate)-silicon dioxide nanocomposite films

Superhydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate)-SiO(2) (coded as PMMA-SiO(2)) nanocomposite films with micro-nanohierarchical structure were prepared via a simple approach in the absence of low surface-energy compounds. By spin-coating the suspension of hydrophobic silica (SiO(2)) nanoparticles dispersed in PMMA solution, target nanocomposite films were obtained on glass slides. The wetting behavior of PMMA-SiO(2) nanocomposite films was investigated in relation to the dosage of SiO(2) nanoparticles dispersed in PMMA solution. It was found that hydrophilic PMMA film was transferred to superhydrophobic PMMA-SiO(2) nanocomposite films when hydrophobic SiO(2) nanoparticles were introduced into the PMMA solution at a high enough dosage (0.2 g and above). Resultant PMMA-SiO(2) nanocomposite films had a static water contact angle of above 162 degrees, showing promising applications in selfcleaning and waterproof for outer wall of building, outer covering for automobile, sanitary wares, and so forth. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.