[nanoPost] Superhydrophobic and self-cleaning cellulose surfaces by controlled polymerisation

Research Centre Sweden

Controlled polymerizations have attracted considerable interest over the last 10-15 years. One interesting feature with is that it allows for covalent surface modification where the initiating group is chemically attached to the substrate where after the substrate is subjected to the polymerization conditions. If successful, the polymer chains will grow from the surface providing a tool to control surface properties. By utilizing a combination of surface roughness, high grafting density and suitable monomers it is possible to obtain superhydrophobic surfaces exhibiting very high contact angles (< 165°) with low hysteresis towards water droplets.

The aim is to develop superhydrophobic and self-cleaning biobased substrates by the use of controlled radical polymerization.