Study on self-cleaning performance and hydrophobicity of TiO2/silane coatings

Abstract

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate the effect of Degussa P-25 Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on hydrophobicity and self-cleaning ability as a single organic coating on glass substrate.Design/methodology/approachTwo methods have been used to enhance the hydrophobicity on glass substrates, namely, surface modification by using low surface energy isooctyltrimethoxysilane (ITMS) solution and construction of rough surface morphology using Degussa P-25 TiO2nanoparticles with simple bottom-up approach. The prepared sol was applied onto glass substrate using dip-coating technique and stoved in the vacuum furnace 350°C.FindingsThe ITMS coating with nano TiO2pigment has modified the glass substrate surface by achieving the water contact angle as high as 169° ± 2° and low sliding angle of 0° with simple and low-cost operation. The solid and air phase interface has created excellent anti-dirt and self-cleaning properties against dilute ketchup solution, mud and silicon powder.Research limitations/implicationsFindings will be useful in the development of self-cleaning and anti-dirt coating for photovoltaic panels.Practical implicationsSol method provides the suitable medium for the combination of organic–inorganic network to achieve high superhydrophobicity and optimum self-cleaning ability.Originality/valueApplication of blended organic–inorganic sol as self-cleaning and anti-dirt coating film.