Superhydrophobic Cellulose Products: Preparation and Physical Properties

In this study, a facile method for preparing a superhydrophobic surface was developed by layer-by-layer deposition of (poly-DADMAC)/silica particles and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride, followed by a fluorination surface treatment with CF3(CF2)7CH2CH2Si(OCH3)3 (1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane, POTS). The cellulose fiber products prepared in this study show a contact angle of water against the paper larger than 150o and sliding angle less than 5o. The sample surface could be kept superhydrophobic after fully immersing in water for over 72 hours. The superhydrophobic paper shows a significant higher tensile strength than untreated paper at high humidity condition. The anti-contamination of superhydrophobic papers was also studied.