Preparation of Superhydrophobic PVDF/P(HEMA-MMA-SMA)/SiO2 Composite Membranes by Electrospinning

The hydrophobic random copolymer P(HEMA-MMA-SMA) which contained 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA) and stearyl methacrylate (SMA) chains was successfully synthesized via radical polymerization. The composites membranes of poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and P(HEMA-MMA-SMA) blends and PVDF/P(HEMA-MMA-SMA)/SiO2 were prepared by electrospinning. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Water Contact Angle (WCA) revealed that morphology and hydrophobic properties of the membrane surface. With the condition of 12 wt% SiO2, the maximum WCA (154°) of the electrospun composite film can be obtained. Superhydrophobic materials have been widely used in the fields, such as oil-water separation and self-cleaning.