International. Researchers at The South China University of Technology presented an easy and environmental way to prepare superhydrophobic coatings by combining adhesives with modified lauric acid powder from copper hydroxide.
Superhydrophobic surfaces have received so much attention in recent years and various approaches have been developed to prepare them. However, most of today's superhydrophobic surfaces are difficult to apply extensively due to some deficiencies such as mechanical weakness and complicated preparation process.
The researchers explain that all raw materials are commercially available and cheap and the whole process is very simple and environmentally friendly, making it likely for a real application. Coated surfaces show large contact angles and very small sliding angles with water droplets in both air and oil, showing super-water repellency.
Therefore, the coating of Cu(OH)2 (LAMC) modified with lauric acid exhibits special self-cleaning properties even after oil contamination. With the help of adhesives, it is very stable to withstand mechanical shocks. In addition, the coated copper mesh can separate oil and water mixtures efficiently and quickly and the coated sponge can selectively absorb oil spills. Scientists believe that this versatile, durable and environmental superhydrophobic coating holds promise in several areas.
Source: www.sciencedirect.com
