| Abstract: | Superhydrophobic materials are currently used for their water‐repelling, self‐cleaning and anti‐fouling properties but are also potentially attractive to prevent snow or ice accumulation on exposed structures. Using the electrospinning technique, polymer mats made of polystyrene and polytetrafluoroethylene‐co‐(vinylidene fluoride)‐co‐propylene] (PTVFP) were prepared. They were found to show highly hydrophobic properties, water contact angle (CA) between 130 and 150°, when a dual fiber–bead microstructure was observed. Superhydrophobicity, CA > 150°, was reached when PTVFP mats were electrospun from a polymer solution containing dispersed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nanoparticles. Using atomic force microscopy imaging, protruding nanosized asperities on fiber and bead surfaces were observed and this structure led to superhydrophobic properties. Materials prepared from a high‐viscosity PTVFP/ethyl acetate solution with PTFE particles, 200 nm diameter and 8% (w/w), showed an 11.2% improvement in hydrophobicity, CA = 161°, compared to the materials obtained from a particle‐free polymer solution (CA = 143°). Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry |
