Constellation, le dépôt institutionnel de l'Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

Résumé

Low surface energy coatings having an optimal topography arising from the presence of micro-nano-patterns demonstrate superhydrophobic properties. These coatings have tremendous potentials in many applications, especially in aerodynamics in reducing drag and reduced energy consumption. In the present study, silica nanoparticles were produced using a solution of tetraethylorthosilicate (Si(OC2H5)4) in the base medium utilizing Stöber process. These silica nanoparticles were further modified in the solution by adding fluoroalkylsilane (FAS-17) molecules to incorporate fluorine in the silica nanoparticles. Multilayers of the fluorine incorporated silica nanoparticles were spin-coated on to aluminum and silicon substrates and dried below 100o. The morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of well organized silica nanoparticles on aluminum surfaces. The presences of fluorine in the coatings were confirmed by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The water drops were found to roll off of these surfaces and the contact angle measurements revealed water contact angle values greater than 150o. The results of the growth dynamics of these nanoparticles formation will also be discussed.