Study on self-cleaning performance and hydrophobicity of TiO2/silane coatings.

Purpose: The paper aims to investigate the effect of Degussa P-25 Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles on hydrophobicity and self-cleaning ability as a single organic coating on glass substrate. Design/methodology/approach: Two methods have been used to enhance the hydrophobicity on glass substrates, namely, surface modification by using low surface energy isooctyltrimethoxysilane (ITMS) solution and construction of rough surface morphology using Degussa P-25 TiO₂ nanoparticles with simple bottom-up approach. The prepared sol was applied onto glass substrate using dip-coating technique and stoved in the vacuum furnace 350°C. Findings: The ITMS coating with nano TiO₂ pigment has modified the glass substrate surface by achieving the water contact angle as high as 169° ± 2° and low sliding angle of 0° with simple and low-cost operation. The solid and air phase interface has created excellent anti-dirt and self-cleaning properties against dilute ketchup solution, mud and silicon powder. Research limitations/implications: Findings will be useful in the development of self-cleaning and anti-dirt coating for photovoltaic panels. Practical implications: Sol method provides the suitable medium for the combination of organic–inorganic network to achieve high superhydrophobicity and optimum self-cleaning ability. Originality/value: Application of blended organic–inorganic sol as self-cleaning and anti-dirt coating film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]