Saleem, J.; Moghal, Z.K.B.; McKay, G. Prolonged Lifespan of Superhydrophobic Thin Films and Coatings Using Recycled Polyethylene. Polymers2024, 16, 1791.
Saleem, J.; Moghal, Z.K.B.; McKay, G. Prolonged Lifespan of Superhydrophobic Thin Films and Coatings Using Recycled Polyethylene. Polymers 2024, 16, 1791.
Saleem, J.; Moghal, Z.K.B.; McKay, G. Prolonged Lifespan of Superhydrophobic Thin Films and Coatings Using Recycled Polyethylene. Polymers2024, 16, 1791.
Saleem, J.; Moghal, Z.K.B.; McKay, G. Prolonged Lifespan of Superhydrophobic Thin Films and Coatings Using Recycled Polyethylene. Polymers 2024, 16, 1791.
Abstract
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste poses a significant environmental challenge due to its non-biodegradable nature and the vast quantities generated annually. However, conventional recycling methods are energy-intensive and often yield low-quality products. Herein, HDPE waste is upcycled into anti-aging superhydrophobic thin films suitable for outdoor applications. A two-layer spin-casting method combined with heating-induced crosslinking is utilized to produce an exceptionally rough superhydrophobic surface, featuring a root mean square (RMS) roughness of 50 nm, an average crest height of 222 nm, an average trough depth of –264 nm, and a contact angle (CA) of 148°. To assess durability, weathering tests were conducted, revealing the films' susceptibility to degradation under harsh conditions. The films' resistance to environmental factors is improved by incorporating a UV absorber, maintaining their hydrophobic properties and mechanical strength. Our research demonstrates a sustainable method for upcycling waste into high-performance, weather-resistant superhydrophobic films.
Keywords
superhydrophobic; anti-aging; surface roughness; weather-resistant; films
Subject
Chemistry and Materials Science, Polymers and Plastics
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
