Preparation and applicability of a flexible PDMS superhydrophobic layer

Superhydrophobic surfaces have broad application prospects in the fields of self-cleaning, anti-icing, and fluid drag reduction. In this study, a convenient and environmentally friendly method was used to prepare a flexible PDMS superhydrophobic surface, and the effect of different spraying times on surface wettability was studied. On this basis, the applicability of the PDMS superhydrophobic surface was evaluated by high and low temperature environment experiments. The results show that the better spraying times are 3 times, the contact angle is 165.52°, and the rolling angle is 2.06°. The flexible superhydrophobic surface can be applied to the surface of various materials and structures with good waterproof and antifouling properties. In the high-temperature environment of 100 °C, it can effectively improve the flooding problem of fuel cell plate, and it is still effective after one month. In the low-temperature environment of -30 °C, it can effectively inhibits the surface frosting and the surface composite powder is well bonded to the substrate.