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

Superhydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate)-SiO2 (coded as PMMA-SiO2) 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 (SiO2) nanoparticles dispersed in PMMA solution, target nanocomposite films were obtained on glass slides. The wetting behavior of PMMA-SiO2 nanocomposite films was investigated in relation to the dosage of SiO2 nanoparticles dispersed in PMMA solution. It was found that hydrophilic PMMA film was transferred to superhydrophobic PMMA-SiO2 nanocomposite films when hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles were introduced into the PMMA solution at a high enough dosage (0.2 g and above). Resultant PMMA-SiO2 nanocomposite films had a static water contact angle of above 162°, showing promising applications in selfcleaning and waterproof for outer wall of building, outer covering for automobile, sanitary wares, and so forth.