The fabrication, nano/micro-structure, heat- and wear-resistance of the superhydrophobic PPS/PTFE composite coatings.

A simple engineering method was used to fabricate stability and wear-resistance of superhydrophobic PPS-based PPS/PTFE surfaces through nano/micro-structure design and modification of the lowest surface energy groups (-CF2-), which was inspired by the biomimic lotus leaves. The hydrophobic properties and wear-resistance of the coatings were measured by a contact angle meter and evaluated on a pin-on-disk friction and wear tester, respectively. Moreover, the surfaces of the PPS/PTFE composite coatings were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and thermogravimetry (TG) analysis. Results showed that the highest contact angle of the PPS/PTFE surface, with papillae-like randomly distributed double-scale structure, could reach up to 162°. When 1 wt.% PDMS was added, the highest contact angle could hold is 172°. The coatings also retained superhydrophobicity, even under high temperature environment. The investigation also indicated that the coatings were not only superhydrophobic but also oleophobic behavior at room temperature, such as the crude oil, glycerol, and oil-water mixture. The PPS/45%PTFE coatings had more stable friction coefficient and excellent wear-resistance (331,407 cycles) compared with those with less than 45% of PTFE.