Optimization of the process synthesis of silica nanoparticles functionalized with silane agents destined for superhydrophobic coating

Abstract

The aim of this study is to define the optimum process synthesis of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles functionalized with silane agents destined for superhydrophobic coating thus to determine the minimum required silane agent needed to obtain proper superhydrophobic properties. Spherical SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by using sol-gel method and functionalized to gain hydrophobic properties with two different silane agents: 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and 1H,1H,2H,2H – perfluoroctyltrichlorosilane (PFOTS). The hydrophobic properties were evaluated by measuring the water drop contact angle and the inclination flowing angle. Results show that, through manufacturing process optimization, the quantity of HMDS could be reduced by 142%, while the quantity of PFOTS could be reduced by 20% compared to the lab scale synthesis method developed by ICPE-CA, without having a negative effect on the hydrophobic properties of the functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles.