Fabrication of superhydrophobic-icephobic carbon cloth using polydimethylsiloxane for oil–water separation

A simple and single step coating of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) onto carbon cloth is reported which leads to the formation of a superhydrophobic and icephobic surface. The effect of PDMS loading on the surface wetting behavior is studied in detail and the surface structure is proposed for the description of wetting behavior. The prepared sample was characterized with different methods. It was shown that by selection of an appropriate PDMD loading the superhydrophilic carbon cloth was converted to a superhydrophobic sample and the sample was successfully utilized for oil/water separation with different methods. Also, the prepared sample shows icephoic property and was used to prevent the surface freezing of a pipe.