Robust underwater superoleophobic coatings based on zwitterionic P(CBMAE-co-TMSPMA)/Si[O.sub.2] with anti-adhesive behavior

This study focuses on the surface modification of substrates using a poly (N,N-dimethyl-N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-N-[2'-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl]-ammonium chloride-co-3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate) P(CBMAE-co-TMSPMA) and ethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). By covalently bonding the SiOH pendant of the copolymer with hydroxyl residues on the material's surface, a stable polymer coating is formed. The properties of P(CBMAE-co-TMSPMA) coatings were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and contact angle (CA) meter. The addition of TEOS allows for the regulation of surface roughness. With the increase of TEOS content, the contact angle of underwater oil first increased and then decreased. The water contact angles were 8[degrees], the underwater superoleophobic contact angle reached 168[degrees], and the number of adherent platelets and Escherichia coli were significantly reduced to 7.5% and 5% on the surface of the coating, respectively. After undergoing simultaneous hydrolysis, the superoleophobic contact angle of P(CBMAE-co-TMSPMA)/Si[O.sub.2] coating further increased to 174[degrees]. These interesting and robust properties make them promising candidates for biomedical applications. Highlights * The underwater superoleophobic coating (contact angles of 174[degrees]). * The P(CBMAE-co-TMSPMA)/Si[O.sub.2] coating with excellent resistance to oil adhesion. * Solve the hydroxyl residue problem. * The coating resistance to E. coli and platelet adhesion. KEYWORDS anti-biofouling, Polyzwitterionic carboxylate, robust surface, underwater superoleophobic coating
1 | INTRODUCTION Anti-fouling and anti-adhesion properties are important challenges in several disciplines, such as ship antifouling, marine engineering, (1,2) biomedical materials, (3,4) fluid transport, (5) water purification systems, food [...]