Direct catalytic route to superhydrophobic polyethylene films

Langmuir. 2006 Sep 12;22(19):7956-9. doi: 10.1021/la061414u.

Abstract

Polyethylene films grow on a flat silica surface modified by the bis(imino)pyridyl iron(II) catalyst during ethylene polymerization in toluene solvent. The resulting films show superhydrophobic properties. Advancing water contact angle as high as 169 degrees and sliding angles as low as 2 degrees are obtained on these films. SEM images reveal special surface structures of these films containing micrometer-sized islands, submicrometer particles on the islands, and stress nanofibers between the islands, which render superhydrophobicity to the polyethylene surfaces. After the submicrometer particles and stress nanofibers are removed by annealing, the superhydrophobic properties of the polymer films disappear.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Ferrous Compounds / chemistry
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Particle Size
  • Polyethylene / chemistry*
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Solutions / chemistry
  • Surface Properties
  • Toluene / chemistry
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Ferrous Compounds
  • Solutions
  • Water
  • Toluene
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Polyethylene