Superhydrophobic perfluoropolymer/polystyrene blend films induced by nonsolvent

Statistical copolymers of perfluoroalkyl ethyl acrylate (Zonyl-TAN) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were synthesized in a CO2 polymerization system where a CO2-expanded monomer mixture was formed at 13 MPa, and 80 degrees C by using AIBN as initiator. Flat and superhydrophobic surfaces were subsequently prepared on glass slides by applying a phase separation process where the synthesized p(TAN-co-MMA) copolymer and polystyrene (PS) were dissolved in THE solvent. Ethanol was added as the non-solvent to introduce superhydrophobicity during film formation. Water contact angle on the flat p(TAN-co-MMA) copolymer was 118 degrees and increased up to 170 degrees with the formation of surface roughness. The ratio of the ethanol non-solvent in the blend solution has an important effect on the magnitude of surface roughness during the phase separation process. Both pits and protrusions of 1-10 mu m in size were formed on the surface when non-solvent was used. Surface roughness increased with the increase in the ethanol ratio and the PS content of the blend solution. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.