Roll-to roll initiated chemical vapor deposition of super hydrophobic thin films on large-scale flexible substrates

Sakalak H., YIlmaz K., Gursoy M., Karaman M.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE, vol.215, 2020 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 215
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ces.2019.115466
  • Journal Name: CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Aqualine, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, zbMATH, DIALNET, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: No

Abstract

In this study, a large-scale roll-to-roll initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) system was developed to allow for coating superhydrophobic thin films on flexible substrates. Poly(hexafluorobutyl acrylate), which possesses a short fluorinated side-chain, was chosen as the hydrophobic finish material, while a commercial porous bamboo fabric was used as the flexible substrate. After iCVD coating, bamboo surface, which is superhydrophilic by its nature, transformed into a superhydrophobic with a water contact angle of 156 degrees without changing its porous and flexible structure. Similar hydrophobic properties were observed against various daily liquids. Complete coverage of as-deposited films on both sides of bamboo surfaces was observed at very high roll speeds up to 225 mm/min, which allow coatings on 20 m(2) flexible substrates in a single run. Large scale contact angle and chemical uniformity of coatings on fabric surfaces were evaluated using contact angle and XPS analyses. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.