Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Vol.325, No.1, 149-156, 2008
Facile preparation of superhydrophobic coatings by sol-gel processes
Different organic/inorganic compositions and deposition methods were used to prepare superhydrophobic surfaces using metal alkoxides and the sol-gel process. Both surface roughness and composition had to be adjusted in order to obtain very high contact angles and low contact angle hysteresis as a necessary requirement for superhydrophobicity. Multilayer samples with a fluorinated organic-inorganic top layer showed water contact angles of about 157 degrees with low hysteresis (2 degrees). Water drops rolled easily off their surface at a tilt angle as low as 4 degrees. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.