Nanoparticle α-ZrP Enhanced Superhydrophobicity

ABSTRACT

A surface coating made of α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) nanoparticles was synthesized using one-step drop-cast processing. The coating consisted of surface-modified α-ZrP nanoparticles of three different sizes. Characterization was conducted using an atomic-force microscope (AFM) and a goniometer. Results showed that the aggregation of nanoparticles resulted in a dual distribution of surface roughness leading to superhydrophobicity with contact angles up to 160º against de-ionized water. Two factors enable superhydrophobicity, hydrophobic α-ZrP nanoparticles and self-assembly into dual-model distribution. The dual-model distribution of the surface was formed by the fractal clustering of nanoparticles and the platelet-shaped nanoparticles’ random orientation.

KEYWORDS:

• coatings
• superhydrophobic
• oleophilic
• nanoparticles
• surface wetting