Fluorodecyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) is a low solid surface energy material that has been used to prepare a variety of liquid repellent surfaces. Pure fluorodecyl POSS is not an ideal coating, however, due to its cost and poor adherence to many substrates. Judiciously blending polymers with fluorodecyl POSS can reduce cost and enhance coating durability. Here we explore the utility of fluorodecyl POSS as a modifying additive by solution blending it with commercially available polymers including the fluoroelastomer Tecnoflon and polymethacrylates. The measured advancing/receding contact angles of multiple probe liquids are used to decompose surfaces energies into acidic, basic, and dispersion components using Girifalco-Good analysis. The optimized fluorodecyl-POSS containing polymer nanocomposites adhere to substrates more strongly than pure fluorodecyl POSS coatings and are more readily deposited as smooth films, enhancing liquid repellency. Such coatings maximize receding contact angles of liquid water and consequently reduce ice adhesion strength.

Liquid wettability, surface energy, and ice adhesion of fluorodecyl POSS/polymer blends

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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