A Facile Method of Preparing Transparent Superhydrophobic Film Based on Ethyl α-Cyanoacrylate and Polydimethylsiloxane

Fabrication of robust and transparent superhydrophobic thin film with high transmittance in the visible light region by coating mixing solution included by ethyl alpha-cyanoacrylate and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on the acid-etched Al foil has been developed. The micro/nano-structured protrusions of the film surface were composed mainly of ethyl alpha-cyanoacrylate which was more likely to flow into the pits on acid-etched Al foil compared to polydimethylsiloxane while the main body of the film was constituted by the PDMS since its excellent transparency and mechanical flexibility. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Drop Meter were utilized to evaluate its morphology, accurate topography and quantitative roughness, element types and levels, crystallinity and wettability respectively. Optical properties of the as-prepared films were analyzed by UV-VIS scanning spectrophotometer. The result showed that the contact angle of the film was greater than 155 degrees and the transmittance of the film was greater than 90% simultaneously. In addition, the film showed good surface mechanical stability and acid-alkali resistance which has great potential in durable application of various fields.