Issue 22, 2017

Buoyancy increase and drag-reduction through a simple superhydrophobic coating

Abstract

A superhydrophobic paint was fabricated using 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFOTES), TiO2 nanoparticles and ethanol. The paint has potential for aquatic application of a superhydrophobic coating as it induces increased buoyancy and drag reduction. Buoyance testing showed that the reduction of surface energy by superhydrophobic coating made it feasible that glass, a high density material, was supported by the surface tension of water. In a miniature boat sailing test, it was shown that the low energy surface treatment decreased the adhesion of water molecules to the surface of the boat resulting in a reduction of the drag force. Additionally, a robust superhydrophobic surface was fabricated through layer-by-layer coating using adhesive double side tape and the paint, and after a 100 cm abrasion test with sand paper, the surface still retained its water repellency, enhanced buoyancy and drag reduction.

Graphical abstract: Buoyancy increase and drag-reduction through a simple superhydrophobic coating

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
10 Feb 2017
Accepted
26 Apr 2017
First published
02 May 2017

Nanoscale, 2017,9, 7588-7594

Buoyancy increase and drag-reduction through a simple superhydrophobic coating

G. B. Hwang, A. Patir, K. Page, Y. Lu, E. Allan and I. P. Parkin, Nanoscale, 2017, 9, 7588 DOI: 10.1039/C7NR00950J

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