Hydrophobic properties of surfaces coated with fluoroalkylsiloxane and alkylsiloxane monolayers

A comparative analysis of hydrophobicity of fluoroalkylsiloxane and alkylsiloxane monolayers is presented. In order to compare wetting behavior on smooth and rough substrates, a simple model considering various self-assembly degrees of organic molecules and various area fractions of air inclusion is used. Sliding behavior for water on rough silanized needle-like surfaces is also evaluated. On smooth surfaces, regardless of assembly degree of coatings, contact angles of fluoroalkylsiloxane monolayers are always ∼10° larger. The difference, however, decreases when rough substrates with air inclusion are used. It is shown that assembly order of silane molecules and reduced water–solid contact area are the key factors leading to both high contact angles and low sliding angles. Such coatings are expected to be potential snow- and ice-repellent materials.