A versatile approach for preparing self-recovering superhydrophobic coatings

Abstract Self-recovering superhydrophobic coatings (SHCs) have drawn much attention in recent years because of their unique self-recovering properties and potential industrial applications. In this study, self-recovering SHCs based on recovery of structural damage have been successfully fabricated by spraying the mixture of polymethylmethacrylate/zinc stearate/stearic acid. The SHCs display a static contact angle (CA) of 158°, a sliding angle (SA) of 1° and exhibit a rough structure as shown in the SEM images. By acid rain (pH ≈ 3.5) scouring, the coatings maintain CA of 134° and high adhesion due to the broken morphology. Interestingly, the coatings restored superhydrophobicity after immersion in water for several minutes. Furthermore, the SHCs exhibit good long-term stability, water-durability and UV-durability, adapting to out-door environment. Above all, the coatings are environmental, low cost and can be quickly coated on various large-scale substrates, which will widen their practical applications.