We will report how coatings and nonwovens with outstanding superhydrophobic and icephobic properties can be made from novel types of polymer particles with controlled morphologies and interactions. First, we will introduce the synthesis of a new class of particles named soft dendritic colloids (SDCs). These particles are hierarchically structured, with a branched corona of nanofibers spreading out in all directions. They are nanomanufactured by multiphasic polymer precipitation under intensive shear. The nanofiber corona around these "gecko leg" particles endows them with extraordinary strong adhesion to almost any surface and to each other, and enables unique structure-forming abilities. These particles exhibit the phenomenon of “contact splitting”, which is displayed in the remarkable adhesion of gecko feet. The morphological similarity of the SDCs to the gecko lizards’ setae endows the SDCs with excellent dry adhesion and cohesion properties. The hierarchical surface roughness resulting from the overlapping SDC micro- and nanofibers allows the facile formation of superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic coatings depending on the properties of the polymer used. The adhesion of SDC coatings to substrates can be further improved both through the addition of a poly(dimethyl) siloxane (PDMS) binder and by creating bicontinuous networks of SDCs composed of different polymers. The addition of a PDMS binder and formation of bicontinuous SDC networks modify the surface roughness and contact angle of the SDC coatings and lead to improvements in durability, wettability, and anti-icing properties, including increased ice nucleation time and decreased ice adhesion strength. The new class of functional coatings can find applications in numerous industrial and consumer products.

Functional superhydrophobic and icephobic coatings made of new biomimetic "gecko leg" soft dendritic colloids

2019 Fall National Meeting

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