The Influence of Silica Nanoparticle-Based Modifying Agent on the Application of Hydrophobic Coatings

This works aims to investigate the influence of three different categories of silica, namely, precipitated silica, fumed silica and nanosilica prepared via sol-gel process, for hydrophobic application in this work. Nanosilica was characterised using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size and zeta potential. Diluted silicone rubber (room-temperature vulcanising silicone) was also used as a matrix for these particles as (3/1) weight%; silicone rubber/silica. Cold spraying technique was applied to coat glass substrates. Fourier transform infrared analysis was applied to investigate the coating. SEM observation and particle size analysis established that the nanosize of silica is used with narrow-size distribution. Zeta potential analysis demonstrated the stability of nanoparticles at recorded average values of −41 to −50 mV. Wettability results showed that all types of silica incorporated into the silicone rubber present a hydrophobic surface. The maximum recorded value of contact angle was 146° for sol-gel-prepared silica/silicone rubber. The out findings indicated that these compounds are acceptable candidates for hydrophobic glass applications.