Superhydrophobic Coatings based on Polymer Nanocomposites
01 Jan 2010 31 Dec 2010

This project aims to prepare ultra and superhydrophobic coatings based on nanocomposites that can be easily and cost effectively spread on large surfaces keeping the mechanical and optical properties of the polymer matrix. Not only chemical but also topological control of the surface is mandatory to match this objective. The project considers the synthesis and ad-hoc surface modification of inorganic particles to introduce them within polymer matrixes, in such a way that these particles will induce a particular roughness to the surface.
One of the main points of this project is the use of cellulose as polymer matrix. Cellulose is a biopolymer from renewable sources that nowadays has a great technological interest. One of the drawbacks when dealing with this polymer is its hydrophilic nature that makes it loose its mechanical properties in moist media. The hydrophobization of the cellulose surface is of utmost importance due to the potencial applications of such a material. A new strategy to hydrophobize the cellulose is proposed. This method is based on modifying the chemistry and roughness of the cellulose fibers surface