Modeling of the process of superhydrophobic surface formation

Thin composite films of nanoparticles formed by Layer-by-Layer method on a glass substrate from colloid solutions of titanium oxide, zinc oxide or silicon oxide are studied. Atomic Force microscopy, Scanning Electronic Microscopy and contact angle measurements were used for investigation of the surface properties of coatings. Bicomponent TiO2/SiO2 and ZnO/SiO2 films modified by octadecyltrichlorosilane are found to acquire superhydrophobic properties depending on the surface coatings roughness. To simulate superhydrophobic surface formation process, roughness coefficient was calculated by equation of Ventelia-Deragina. Correlation of the effect of film roughness on surface wettability depending on the number of the layers and the size of nanoparticles were demonstrated. The method developed for producing of superhydrophobic materials and can be used for production of self-cleaning surfaces.