A simple and energy-saving route for fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces based on modified hyperbranched polyethyleneimine and nano silica

The facile and low-cost fabrication of fluorine-free superhydrophobic surfaces is still a challenge. Herein, we report a handy fabrication of superhydrophobic coating based on fluorine-free industrial raw materials via dispersing nano silica in the ‘supramolecular nanocapsule’ formed by hydrophobically modifying hyperbranched polyethyleneimine by a mild room temperature curing process for the first time. The chemical compositions, wettability and surface topographies were characterized and discussed in detail. Its water contact angle (WCA) and water contact angle hysteresis (CAH) can reach 154° and 7°, respectively, due to the formation of a uniformly dispersed and compact nano-rough surface after film formation. Further experiments show that the material can achieve excellent self-cleaning performance. As a result, a simple, environmentally friendly and energy-saving route for the development of a high performance superhydrophobic surface was provided and this will be very attractive for the development of high-performance surfaces for superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning of various materials in any size and shape, which could greatly increase its application suitable for industrial use.