Cellulose‐Based Transparent Superhydrophobic Coatings With a Four‐Layer “Armor” Structure for Anti‐Fouling and Anti‐Icing Applications

ABSTRACT A superhydrophobic transparent coating effectively inhibits icing and promotes self‐cleaning, rendering it exceptionally valuable for practical applications in solar panels and car windows. However, attaining both hydrophobicity and transparency in superhydrophobic coatings continues to pose a significant challenge. Thus, this study introduces an innovative four–layered structure. The bottom layer was treated with hyperbranched epoxy–oligosiloxane nanocluster (HP) to serve as a binder. The intermediate layer was modified with amino–silane–modified nano–cellulose (APT–CNF) to develop a micro–scale skeletal structure. The granular layer incorporated fluorine‐modified dendritic silica nanochains (FNPs) to induce nano–structural roughness, while the surface layer employed a silicon elastomer polymer (BFVSE) as an armor‐protective coating featuring both micro– and nano–structural characteristics. The coating exhibits remarkable superhydrophobic properties, with a CA measured at approximately 155°. Furthermore, it demonstrates exceptional light transmittance, reaching approximately 93.1% at a wavelength of 545.5 nm, in contrast to around 91.4% for uncoated glass. The transparent superhydrophobic coating retains its superhydrophobic properties over extended periods following exposure to water impact, sand impact, mechanical bending, high‐temperature heat treatment, acid–base impregnation, and ultraviolet irradiation. Subsequent to dust accumulation testing, the coating continues to exhibit high optical transparency. Its superior performance in solar energy applications, among other fields, indicates significant potential for practical applications.