Reverse hydrophobic PDMS surface to hydrophilic by 1-step hydrolysis reaction

Bacterial Cellulose and Emulsified AESO Biocomposites as an Ecological Alternative to Leather

This research investigated the development of bio-based composites comprising bacterial cellulose (BC), as obtained by static culture, and acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) as an alternative to leather. AESO was first emulsified; polyethylene glycol (PEG), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and perfluorocarbon-based polymers were also added to the AESO emulsion, with the mixtures being diffused into the BC 3D nanofibrillar matrix by an exhaustion process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the tested polymers penetrated well and uniformly into the bulk of the BC matrix. The obtained composites were hydrophobic and thermally stable up to 200 °C. Regarding their mechanical properties, the addition of different polymers lead to a decrease in the tensile strength and an increase in the elongation at break, overall presenting satisfactory performance as a potential alternative to leather.

Superhydrophilic Smart Coating for Self-Cleaning Application on Glass Substrate

In general, superhydrophilic coating on glass substrate possesses water contact angle (WCA) below 10° and contains high self-cleaning properties in outdoor environment as compared to noncoated glass substrate panels. In this study, the superhydrophilic coating behavior on glass substrate has been developed. The micro- and nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles have been utilized to improve the surface roughness, and the polypropylene glycol (PPG) has been utilized to increase the surface energy of glass substrates. The wettability of coating surface shows the coating possess water contact angle (WCA) as low as 5° and suddenly reduce to 0° after 10 s. Superhydrophilic coated glass clearly shows excellent dirt repellent against dilute ketchup solution due to the absence of dirt streak on the glass surface. Meanwhile, the dirt streak is present on the bare glass surface indicating its weak self-cleaning property. The developed superhydrophilic coating on glass substrate was also found to have great antifog property compared to the bare glass substrate. Superhydrophilic surfaces have showed free tiny droplet even at 130°C of hot boiling bath for 10 min and completely dry after 1 min. The superhydrophilic coating surfaces have demonstrated free water streak after impacting with harsh water spraying for 5 min confirming that the superhydrophilic coating on glass substrate is antiwater streak.