Robust superhydrophobic surface with excellent adhesive properties based on benzoxazine/epoxy/mesoporous SiO2

Abstract Superhydrophobic surfaces are composed of low surface energy materials and micro/nano structures; however, in real applications, it is challenging to achieve surfaces that simultaneously have strong mechanical, chemical, and adhesive properties. We have made an acetone solution of benzoxazine, epoxy and mesoporous SiO2 to form a superhydrophobic surface using spray coating. These superhydrophobic surfaces maintained their superhydrophobicity after a more than 2.9 m abrasion test under 1.6 kPa, can endure the acid and alkali corrosion for more than 12 h, and can reach first level adhesion to a tin plate. The reason of the simultaneously improvement in mechanical strength, chemical robustness, and adhesive properties is the self-similar, organic-inorganic interpenetrating structure and rational choice of components of formulation. With multifaceted robustness and scalability, these coatings should find potential use in harsh chemical engineering as well as in infrastructure and communication equipment.