One-step fabrication of robust superhydrophobic coatings with corrosion resistance by a self-curing epoxy-resin-based adhesive

Abstract One-step fabrication of superhydrophobic coatings with excellent robustness is highly desired in various fields. Herein, we fabricate a robust superhydrophobic coating by one-step spraying the mixture of hydrophobic silica sol and synthesized one-component self-curing epoxy-resin-based adhesives onto the substrates. Due to the hierarchical rough structure and low surface energy, the as-prepared coatings exhibit outstanding water repellency. Moreover, taking the advantage of self-curing epoxy-resin-based adhesives, the as-prepared coatings also demonstrate good mechanical robustness and as well as adhesion-to-substrate which could endure water droplet test, sand impact test, 4H pencil hardness test and cross-cut scratching test. Additionally, the results of electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) indicate that compared to bare steel, the superhydrophobic coating coated steel shows remarkable corrosion resistance. This versatile one-step method could expand the potential applications of superhydrophobic coatings towards real world.