Robust Hybrid Omniphobic Surface for Stain Resistance

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2021 Mar 31;13(12):14562-14568. doi: 10.1021/acsami.0c22834. Epub 2021 Mar 4.

Abstract

Inspired by natural living surfaces, researchers have developed many excellent anti-smudge coatings, but there remain some critical challenges such as complex or expensive fabrications, poor long-term stability, non-transparency, etc., which may limit their large-area application. In this work, we designed a robust and transparent omniphobic coating with a one-step dip coating method. The perfluoropolyether chains were grafted on a smooth glass surface, and the coating surface not only presented good liquid repellency and stain resistance but also owned excellent mechanical wear resistance. The stain resistance property and wettability have barely changed after hundreds of thousands of friction cycles in air or even in an organic solvent surrounding. The robust hybrid coating possesses simple preparation, an excellent property, and durability, which may bring a widespread interest in the engineering application field.

Keywords: abrasion resistance; anti-smudge; omniphobic; organic−inorganic hybrid; perfluoropolyether triethoxysilane.