Formation of Wrinkled Nanostructures via Surface–Bulk Curing Disparity in Ethyl Cyanoacrylate: Toward Superhydrophobic Surface Applications

Superhydrophobic surfaces, known for their exceptional water-repellent properties with contact angles exceeding 150°, are highly regarded for their effectiveness in applications including self-cleaning, antifouling, and ice prevention. However, the structural fragility and weak durability of convent...

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Main Authors: Changwoo Lee, Heon-Ju Choi, Kyungeun Jeong, Kyungjun Lee, Handong Cho
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Nanomaterials
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/1/12
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author Changwoo Lee
Heon-Ju Choi
Kyungeun Jeong
Kyungjun Lee
Handong Cho
author_facet Changwoo Lee
Heon-Ju Choi
Kyungeun Jeong
Kyungjun Lee
Handong Cho
author_sort Changwoo Lee
collection DOAJ
description Superhydrophobic surfaces, known for their exceptional water-repellent properties with contact angles exceeding 150°, are highly regarded for their effectiveness in applications including self-cleaning, antifouling, and ice prevention. However, the structural fragility and weak durability of conventional coating limit their long-term use. In this research, a new approach is proposed for the fabrication of long-lasting superhydrophobic surfaces using ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA) and a primer. The application of the primer creates a curing rate disparity between the surface and bulk of the ECA layer, resulting in the formation of wrinkled microstructures essential for achieving superhydrophobicity. The fabricated surfaces were further functionalized through plasma treatment and hydrophobic silane (OTS) coating, enhancing their water-repellent properties. This straightforward and scalable method produced surfaces with excellent superhydrophobicity and robust adhesion to substrates. Durability tests, including roller abrasion and microscratch evaluations, indicated that the wrinkled structure and strong substrate adhesion contributed to sustained performance even under mechanical stress. Additionally, mechanical properties were assessed through nanoindentation, demonstrating enhanced resistance to physical damage compared to conventional superhydrophobic coatings. This study highlights the potential of ECA-based superhydrophobic surfaces for applications requiring durability and mechanical stability, such as architectural coatings, automotive exteriors, and medical devices. The approach offers a promising solution to the limitations of existing superhydrophobic technologies and opens new avenues for further research into wear-resistant and environmentally resilient coatings.
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institution Kabale University
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spelling doaj-art-2c4e57b65d174cbf8b7d92b0ee2e4f272025-01-10T13:19:15ZengMDPI AGNanomaterials2079-49912024-12-011511210.3390/nano15010012Formation of Wrinkled Nanostructures via Surface–Bulk Curing Disparity in Ethyl Cyanoacrylate: Toward Superhydrophobic Surface ApplicationsChangwoo Lee0Heon-Ju Choi1Kyungeun Jeong2Kyungjun Lee3Handong Cho4Pohang Institute of Metal Industry Advancement, Pohang-si 37666, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of KoreaSchool of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering, Mokpo National University, Muan-gun 58554, Jeollanam-do, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of KoreaSchool of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering, Mokpo National University, Muan-gun 58554, Jeollanam-do, Republic of KoreaSuperhydrophobic surfaces, known for their exceptional water-repellent properties with contact angles exceeding 150°, are highly regarded for their effectiveness in applications including self-cleaning, antifouling, and ice prevention. However, the structural fragility and weak durability of conventional coating limit their long-term use. In this research, a new approach is proposed for the fabrication of long-lasting superhydrophobic surfaces using ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA) and a primer. The application of the primer creates a curing rate disparity between the surface and bulk of the ECA layer, resulting in the formation of wrinkled microstructures essential for achieving superhydrophobicity. The fabricated surfaces were further functionalized through plasma treatment and hydrophobic silane (OTS) coating, enhancing their water-repellent properties. This straightforward and scalable method produced surfaces with excellent superhydrophobicity and robust adhesion to substrates. Durability tests, including roller abrasion and microscratch evaluations, indicated that the wrinkled structure and strong substrate adhesion contributed to sustained performance even under mechanical stress. Additionally, mechanical properties were assessed through nanoindentation, demonstrating enhanced resistance to physical damage compared to conventional superhydrophobic coatings. This study highlights the potential of ECA-based superhydrophobic surfaces for applications requiring durability and mechanical stability, such as architectural coatings, automotive exteriors, and medical devices. The approach offers a promising solution to the limitations of existing superhydrophobic technologies and opens new avenues for further research into wear-resistant and environmentally resilient coatings.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/1/12superhydrophobic surfaceethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA)wrinkled structureabrasion resistance
spellingShingle Changwoo Lee
Heon-Ju Choi
Kyungeun Jeong
Kyungjun Lee
Handong Cho
Formation of Wrinkled Nanostructures via Surface–Bulk Curing Disparity in Ethyl Cyanoacrylate: Toward Superhydrophobic Surface Applications
Nanomaterials
superhydrophobic surface
ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA)
wrinkled structure
abrasion resistance
title Formation of Wrinkled Nanostructures via Surface–Bulk Curing Disparity in Ethyl Cyanoacrylate: Toward Superhydrophobic Surface Applications
title_full Formation of Wrinkled Nanostructures via Surface–Bulk Curing Disparity in Ethyl Cyanoacrylate: Toward Superhydrophobic Surface Applications
title_fullStr Formation of Wrinkled Nanostructures via Surface–Bulk Curing Disparity in Ethyl Cyanoacrylate: Toward Superhydrophobic Surface Applications
title_full_unstemmed Formation of Wrinkled Nanostructures via Surface–Bulk Curing Disparity in Ethyl Cyanoacrylate: Toward Superhydrophobic Surface Applications
title_short Formation of Wrinkled Nanostructures via Surface–Bulk Curing Disparity in Ethyl Cyanoacrylate: Toward Superhydrophobic Surface Applications
title_sort formation of wrinkled nanostructures via surface bulk curing disparity in ethyl cyanoacrylate toward superhydrophobic surface applications
topic superhydrophobic surface
ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA)
wrinkled structure
abrasion resistance
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/1/12
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