Direct catalytic route to superhydrophobic polyethylene films.
Polyethylene films grow on a flat silica surface modified by the bis(imino)pyridyl iron(II) catalyst during ethylene polymerization in toluene solvent. The resulting films show superhydrophobic properties. Advancing water contact angle as high as 169 degrees and sliding angles as low as 2 degrees are obtained on these films. SEM images reveal special surface structures of these films containing micrometer-sized islands, submicrometer particles on the islands, and stress nanofibers between the islands, which render superhydrophobicity to the polyethylene surfaces. After the submicrometer particles and stress nanofibers are removed by annealing, the superhydrophobic properties of the polymer films disappear.
Han
Wei
W
Schuit Institute of Catalysis and Laboratory of Materials and Interface Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Wu
Di
D
Ming
Weihua
W
Niemantsverdriet
Hans J W
HJ
Thüne
Peter C
PC
D002384:Catalysis; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010316:Particle Size; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000737:chemistry*; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry; D012996:Solutions / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D014050:Toluene / Q000737:chemistry; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D012996:Solutions; D014867:Water; D014050:Toluene; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D020959:Polyethylene