A Route towards Durable Underwater Stable Superhydrophobic Surfaces: PET-Reinforced Candle Soot Layers

Superhydrophobic coating is widely used due to its waterproof and self-cleaning properties. Carbon soot (CS) nanoparticles are naturally superhydrophobic and non-toxic which are superior to other superhydrophobic coating. However, the weak binding force of the CS nanoparticle layers hinders their practical application. In this study, micro-nanostructured PET-CS superhydrophobic coatings were prepared by a simple method. The obtained coatings presented durable superhydrophobicity and underwater stability, which are superior to PDMS-CS coatings and CS layers. The coating surfaces demonstrated superhydrophobicity under a water pressure of 13.72 kPa for up to 16 days. The surface could withstand water flush for more than 15 min. The coatings also demonstrated good mechanical stability and maintained superhydrophobicity after an abrasion length of 8 m. The stable long-lasting underwater superhydrophobic surface is of great importance for marine applications.