Buoyancy Increase and Drag-Reduction Through a Simple Superhydrophobic Coating

Gi Byoung Hwang, Adnan Patir, Kristopher Page, Yao Lu, Elaine Allan, Ivan P Parkin

Nanoscale. 2017 Jun 8;9(22):7588-7594.

PMID: 28537617

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.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AP51851377	1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane		51851-37-7	Price