Hydrophobicity of Surfaces Coated with Functionalized Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

Hydrophobic surfaces are eyed for their self-cleaning ability because water droplets can roll on them (instead of clinging), thus the surface have capability to remove dirt. Hydrophobic surfaces were created by coating functionalized Titanium Dioxide-based paint. The paint was fabricated by reacting fluorosilane molecules in ethanol with titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Ethanol also serves as the volatile suspension medium that evaporates when the paint is coated on surfaces. The paint was coated on different surfaces by simple dipping. Contact angle of coated aluminum sheet, soda-lime glass, filter paper and silicon carbide polishing paper showed hydrophobicity. Water droplets are made to roll on coated soda-lime glass at angle of 0.057°. The ability of water droplets to roll highlights the coated surface self-cleaning potential.