One-step electrophoretic deposition for the preparation of superhydrophobic silica particle/trimethylsiloxysilicate composite coatings.

SiO(2) particle/silicone resin (trimethylsiloxysilicate (TMSS)) composite coatings were prepared by electrophoretic deposition (EPD), and their wettability was examined. SiO(2) coatings prepared by EPD baths without TMSS were hydrophilic, while superhydrophobicity was observed for SiO(2)/TMSS composite coatings. IR spectra and EDS analyses revealed that not only SiO(2) particles but also TMSS electrophoretically moved toward a cathode; as a result, hydrophilic SiO(2) particles turned into superhydrophobic composite coatings by one-step EPD. SEM and AFM images of the superhydrophobic SiO(2)/TMSS composite coatings showed the presence of both nanometer- and micrometer-sized roughness in their surfaces. Particle size of SiO(2) had a great influence on the wettability of the composite coatings. The superhydrophobic SiO(2)/TMSS composite coatings showed excellent water repellency; they repelled running water continuously. In addition, by controlling the amount of deposited SiO(2) particles and TMSS, transparent superhydrophobic SiO(2)/TMSS composite coatings were prepared.