Structural, thermal and surface properties of sticky hydrophobic silica films: Effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic precursor compositions

Abstract The synthesis and study of silica thin films’ adhesive properties as a function of dimethyldimethoxysilane: tetraethoxysilane (DMDMS: TEOS (DT)) molar ratio and calcination temperature and its relationship with the silica polymer shape have been conducted. DT molar ratio was very influential on the silica thin film’s hydrophobic nature coated on the glass surface and indicated that the water droplets stuck to the silica-coated glass surface, not rolling down. The sticky property mainly originated from the non-uniformity of functional group composition and material surface roughness. The highest hydrophobic properties were obtained from the balanced composition of the DT molar ratio.