Properties of phase separation method synthesized superhydrophobic polystyrene films

Polystyrene (PS) based superhydrophobic films were prepared by non-solvent induced phase separation method using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as the solvent and different alcohols as non-solvents. Flory Huggins interaction parameter values of different alcohols and acetone with PS were calculated to qualify them as non-solvents for phase separation. The films were characterized using contact angle analyser, field emission scanning electron microscope, surface roughness profilometer, IR spectrometer and Raman spectrometer. The coatings exhibited a maximum water contact angle (WCA) of 159 degrees and a sliding angle (SA) < 2 degrees. With increase in the vol% of non-solvent, WCA increased and SA decreased. The microstructures of the films varied with the vol% of non-solvent and the amount of PS. The work of adhesion of PS films decreased with increasing WCA. The Raman spectral studies showed isotactic to atactic transformation of PS with the addition of non-solvents and these results corroborated well with the IR spectral studies. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.