Synthesis and characterization of superhydrophobic and superparamagnetic film based on maghemite–polystyrene composite nanoparticles

Abstract We combine two abilities: the superhydrophobicity of lotus leaf and the magnetic property of γ-Fe 2 O 3 . A superhydrophobic and superparamagnetic polystyrene/silica/maghemite (PS/SiO 2 /γ-Fe 2 O 3 (PSVSF)) film was prepared by a three-step chemical procedure at mild conditions. The products exhibited superhydrophobicity and superparamagnetism after coating and modifying. Because PS and SiO 2 supplied the low surface energy and roughness, respectively. In addition, the classic and a modified Cassie–Baxter relation were applied on the PSVSF films to verify the superhydrophobic performance. It indicates that the obtained superhydrophobic and superparamagnetic films are promising materials for numerous potential applications fields, including aerospace, electronic, biomedical, martial and defense-related areas.