Transparent superhydrophobic surface by silicone oil combustion

Abstract

A transparent superhydrophobic coating can be easily created through the use of commercial silicone oil and controlled combustion. In this simple fabrication, silicone oil is sprayed onto a hot glass heated to about 550 degrees C, resulting in the transparent superhydrophobic coating on the glass. The coating is stable at temperature up to about 450 degrees C, and against a saline solution and acidic or basic solutions with pH from 4 to 10. This silicone oil-based process does not require any additional solvent, further surface treatment, drying process or post-treatment process. Several applications of this process are exemplified through the proof-of-concept demonstrations.