Co-reporter:Yong Li, Zhaozhu Zhang, Bo Ge, Xuehu Men, Qunji Xue
Separation and Purification Technology 2017 Volume 176() pp:1-7
Publication Date(Web):4 April 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.seppur.2016.11.072
•A low-cost and environmental friendly hierarchically porous polymer was used.•The polymer with multi-level pores can rapidly remove oils from water selectively.•The porous polymer can separate both surfactant-stabilized W/O and O/W emulsions.•The porous polymer has high separation efficiency and good reusability.Oil/water separation is an important field aiming to resolve industrial oily wastewater and oil-spill pollution, as well as environmental protection. However, the separation of oil-water mixtures, especially surfactant-stabilized oil-water emulsions, is a worldwide challenge. To this end, we developed a versatile and efficient approach to separate various highly stable emulsions including both surfactant-stabilized W/O emulsions and O/W emulsions with high separation efficiency using nanoporous divinylbenzene (DVB)/SiO2 hybrid material. The highly effective separation property of the hybrid material is attributed to its superhydrophobicity, high specific surface area and nanopore size distribution. Therefore, the versatile emulsion separation of hybrid material shows obvious advantage over most superwetting surfaces that only have effect on free oil-water mixtures or one form emulsion (W/O emulsions or O/W emulsions). Besides, the as-prepared hybrid material can rapidly swell various organic solvents from water selectively with high absorption capacity because of the present multi-level nanopores which can enhance adsorption performance for their improved accessibility and high surface area. Moreover, the hierarchical nanoporous structure of hybrid material still remained even after repeated separation procedures indicating the outstanding fouling resistance and good reusability.
Co-reporter:Junya Yuan, Zhaozhu Zhang, Mingming Yang, Fang Guo, Xuehu Men, Weimin Liu
Tribology International 2017 Volume 107() pp:10-17
Publication Date(Web):March 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.triboint.2016.11.013
•Amino functional layer covered hybrid fabric by polydopamine and amino silane.•Interfacial adhesion with resin matrix was signally improved after modification.•Excellent tribological properties of functionalized fabric composite were obtained.•This strategy is substrate-independent and available to introducing various groups.The poor interfacial adhesion between hybrid Nomex/PTFE fabric surfaces and polymer materials caused intrinsically by chemical inertness of Nomex and PTFE fibers severely inhibits the further application of hybrid Nomex/PTFE fabric composites. In this study, amino functionalized silane layer (KH550) was immobilized covalently onto hybrid Nomex/PTFE fabric surfaces using bio-inspired polydopamine (PDA) as a bridge to introduce substantial amino groups onto the fabric surfaces. The successful grafting of KH550 on the PDA-coated hybrid fabric surfaces was confirmed by FTIR, XPS and SEM. As a result, the tensile and bonding strength of the amino-functionalized fabric composite were obviously superior to those of the non-treated and polydopamine-coated only, which indicated that the introduction of amino functional layer brought about considerable improvement in interfacial compatibility of hybrid Nomex/PTFE fabric with the phenolic resin matrix. Besides, wear tests also showed the modified fabric composite exhibited the optimal tribological properties under varied test conditions. Most significantly, the strategy presented in this study is substrate-independent along with considerable flexibility to introduce various functional groups, suggesting promising applications for easily improving the interfacial compatibility of reinforcements with polymer matrix.
Co-reporter:Yong Li;Zhaozhu Zhang;Mengke Wang;Xuehu Men;Qunji Xue
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2017 vol. 5(Issue 38) pp:20277-20288
Publication Date(Web):2017/10/03
DOI:10.1039/C7TA05112C
Superhydrophobic self-cleaning coatings have attracted significant attention from the scientific community and the industrial world. However, their real-world applications are still restricted by their low transparency that will destroy the intrinsic properties of substrates, poor durability, expensive toxic reagents and complex preparation processes. In this context, we developed a versatile and efficient method to fabricate environmentally safe and self-cleaning coatings based on the self-assembly of modified porous chain-like SiO2 nanoparticles. The properties of the coating layer were tunable by changing the coating conditions including the concentration of ingredients and thickness of the film. The optimal coatings display a fractal-like nanoporous structure and high transmittance. The low surface roughness and porous structure contribute to their high transparency via reducing the light scattering and suppressing the reflection of surfaces. Importantly, the versatile transparent coatings can be applied on any solid substrate with great waterproof ability, self-cleaning effect and antifouling performance, over a large area without destroying their intrinsic properties. Moreover, the coated substrates also exhibit excellent thermal stability (400 °C) and humidity resistance. Importantly, the superhydrophobic coatings can be easily and rapidly repaired regardless of the number of cycles after damage, which provides a promising strategy to tackle low durability.
Co-reporter:Yong Li;Zhaozhu Zhang;Mengke Wang;Xuehu Men;Qunji Xue
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2017 vol. 5(Issue 10) pp:5077-5087
Publication Date(Web):2017/03/07
DOI:10.1039/C7TA00297A
Developing a facile and versatile strategy for rapidly separating complex oil–water mixtures and collecting the oil content simultaneously is extremely important. Therefore, we report robust porous polydivinylbenzene (PDVB)–PDMS decorated superhydrophobic melamine sponge and filter membrane synthesis via a one-pot and environmentally friendly method. A firm hierarchically nanoporous coating was formed with the growth of PDVB cross-linking networks in situ on the substrates through polymerization in the presence of a PDMS adhesive. Compared with most oil absorbents suffering from limited absorption capacity and complicated oil recovery processes, the prepared superhydrophobic melamine sponges not only show repeated oil-sorption capacity but also can be used as oil-collecting devices to immediately collect oils in situ on a large scale from water surfaces. Thus, oil–water separation and oil collection were realized simultaneously via the facile oil-collecting device which significantly reduces ecological impact and loss of energy and simplifies oil-spill cleanup processes. Moreover, the decorated sponge exhibits mechanical and chemical stability, which is capable of separating complex oil/water systems (corrosive aqueous solutions, cold or hot water and even extremely turbulent water). Importantly, the porous polymer modified membrane is able to separate various surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions with a high separation efficiency.
Co-reporter:Junya Yuan, Zhaozhu Zhang, Mingming Yang, Fang Guo, Xuehu Men, Weimin Liu
Tribology International 2017 Volume 115(Volume 115) pp:
Publication Date(Web):1 November 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.triboint.2017.05.006
•TiB2 additives endow excellent high-temperature tribological properties of composites.•Thermal and mechanical properties of filled composites acquired obvious enhancement.•Oxide formation and subsequent tribofilm build up contribute to low friction and wear.•TiB2 size plays a key role in determining the tribological performance.Titanium boride (TiB2) particles with different sizes were introduced into the hybrid Nomex/PTFE fabric composites to explore the high-temperature tribological properties. The thermal, mechanical and tribological properties of the filled fabric composites were investigated. Results showed that the presence of TiB2 improved the thermal and mechanical properties obviously. High-temperature friction and wear tests also proved that the anti-wear ability of TiB2 filled fabric composites was enhanced sharply without sacrificing the friction coefficients. Meanwhile, the effects of fillers content and size, applied load and temperature on tribological properties and wear mechanisms were also investigated. XRD and XPS were employed to analyze the worn surfaces and demonstrate the fabrication of tribofilm composed of TiO2 and B2O3, which played a vital role in the excellent tribological behaviors.Download high-res image (456KB)Download full-size image
Co-reporter:Junya Yuan, Zhaozhu Zhang, Mingming Yang, Fang Guo, Xuehu Men, Weimin Liu
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing 2017 Volume 102(Volume 102) pp:
Publication Date(Web):1 November 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.compositesa.2017.08.006
Poor interfacial adhesion and inferior thermal property of resin matrix severely obstruct the continued development of fabric-reinforced polymer composites for potential advanced tribological applications. Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) encapsulated by copolymer of polydopamine (PDA) and polyethylenimine (PEI) directly deposited onto hybrid Nomex/PTFE fabric leading to a hierarchical reinforcing structure was successfully carried out via a facile one-pot synthesis. The achieved organic-inorganic hybrid functional coating significantly increased the wettability, reactive functional groups and surface roughness of hybrid-fabric. Tensile and peeling tests show that the hierarchical composites exhibited 38.4% and 63% enhancement in tensile strength and interfacial bonding strength compared to that of the pristine fabric composites. Furthermore, CNTs modification forming percolating networks on hybrid-fabric within the resin matrix effectively promotes the thermal stability of the fabric composites. Results of wear tests prove that the hierarchical composites exhibited outstanding tribological properties under varied applied loads.
Co-reporter:Yong Li, Bo Ge, Xuehu Men, Zhaozhu Zhang, Qunji Xue
Composites Science and Technology 2016 Volume 125() pp:55-61
Publication Date(Web):23 March 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.compscitech.2016.01.021
The design of multifunctional materials with durability under extreme conditions has raised considerable interest for their highly practical potential. Thus, we developed an efficient and technically simple method to prepare easily repairable and rapid self-healing superhydrophobic fabrics, which only involves one-step coating of polyfluorowax (PFW)/graphite fluoride (GF) complexes. The resulting waterproof fabrics can be easily repaired without any complicated and expensive fabrication procedures. Importantly, the fabrics with a self-healing function can rapidly and repetitively restore the superhydrophobicity when the hydrophobicity is damaged owing to the regenerated fresh surface on the fibers induced by heating. Furthermore, the fabrics can maintain their water repellency even was seriously damaged during the abrasion and mechanical stretch tests. In addition, the self-healing fabric can be further dyed and still exhibits satisfactory durability against strong acidic or alkaline, high temperature and humidity, freezing environment and long-term UV exposure.
Co-reporter:Mingming Yang, Junya Yuan, Fang Guo, Kun Wang, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Weimin Liu
European Polymer Journal 2016 Volume 78() pp:163-172
Publication Date(Web):May 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2016.03.013
•Dopamine was employed to modify GO, MWCNTs, and hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric.•Interfacial strength and dispersion of GO, MWCNTs greatly improved after modified by dopamine.•The tribological performances of hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric composite significantly enhanced.Interfacial strength between reinforcement and polymer matrix and dispersion of lubricant fillers in polymer composites are vital properties in determining the mechanical behaviors and tribological performance. In this work, a facile biomimetic method was employed to improve the interfacial strength between hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric and phenolic resin as well as the dispersion of carbon carbonaceous in phenolic composite. Dopamine is the main component of mussel adhesive proteins which can easily attach on substrate surface by self-polymerization under weak basic buffer solution. Hence, polydopamine modified graphene oxide (D-rGO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (D-MWCNTs) were incorporated into polydopamine functionalized hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric (D-fabric) composite to improve the tribological performance of the phenolic composite. XPS, TGA, SEM, and TEM characteristics illustrated that the hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric, graphene oxide (GO), and carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) were successfully functionalized by polydopamine. More importantly, wear test results showed that D-rGO (or D-MWCNTs) reinforced D-fabric phenolic composite exhibited excellent tribological performance. The wear test results and corresponding wear mechanisms of the hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric composite were discussed in terms of characterizations.
Co-reporter:Mingming Yang, Junya Yuan, Xuehu Men, Zhaozhu Zhang, Fang Guo, Weimin Liu
Tribology International 2016 Volume 99() pp:289-295
Publication Date(Web):July 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.triboint.2016.03.033
•ZrB2 incorporated into hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric composite to improve it high-temperature tribological properties.•The tribological performance was significantly improved under all test conditions.•To investigate the worn surface and counterpart pin morphology SEM.The thermal stability of polymer matrix composite could effectively improve by incorporation of highly thermally conductive ceramic materials into polymers. In present work, hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite specimens were prepared with zirconium diboride (ZrB2) particles for the improvement its high-temperature tribological performances. The thermal stability of hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite was investigated by TGA. The result showed that the thermal stability was improved because of addition of ZrB2 particles. In addition, it was found that 9 wt% ZrB2 reinforced hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite exhibited optimal tribological performances compared to unfilled fabric composite under all test conditions.
Co-reporter:Yuan Li, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xiaotao Zhu, Xuehu Men, Bo Ge, Xiaoyan Zhou
Applied Surface Science 2015 Volume 328() pp:475-481
Publication Date(Web):15 February 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2014.12.086
Highlights
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The superhydrophobic coating was fabricated by a facile sol–gel process of (3-Glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (A-187) and the as-prepared SiO2 particles.
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The superhydrophobic coating displayed and high adhesive effect to substrates, which was incarnated as anti-water dripping, limited anti-touch, anti-peeling of adhesive tape and limited abrasion resistance.
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By varying the mass ratio of A-187 and SiO2 particles and hardening temperature, tunable surface morphology (or wettability) and transparency could be observed.
Co-reporter:Mingming Yang, Xiaotao Zhu, Guina Ren, Xuehu Men, Fang Guo, Peilong Li, Zhaozhu Zhang
European Polymer Journal 2015 Volume 67() pp:143-151
Publication Date(Web):June 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2015.03.027
•Air-plasma was employed to treat the hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric.•h-BN incorporated into hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric composite to improve it high-temperature tribological properties.•To investigate the surface morphology and active of test specimens with SEM, FTIR and XPS.In this work, we investigated the effect of air-plasma treatment on the bonding strength of hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric and mechanical strength of PTFE and Nomex fibers. Besides, we employed hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) as high-temperature lubricant and incorporated it into the hybrid fabric/phenolic composite. The high-temperature tribological performances of the fabric composite were evaluated on a pin-on-disk tribometer. The results indicated that the air-plasma treated hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric composites filled with 6 wt% h-BN exhibited outstanding tribological properties. The results of the morphology study of the fabric composites support the results of the wear test and the corresponding wear mechanisms of the composites were discussed based on the characterizations.
Co-reporter:Bo Ge;Xuehu Men;Xiaotao Zhu;Zhaozhu Zhang
Journal of Materials Science 2015 Volume 50( Issue 6) pp:2365-2369
Publication Date(Web):2015 March
DOI:10.1007/s10853-014-8756-4
The development of a convenient method for oil-removal is of great significance for environmental protection. Here, we present a simple method for the removal of oils from water surface based on sponges that we fabricated by solution-immersion processes. The sponges exhibited high selectivity and absorption capacities for various kinds of oils when they were employed as absorptive materials. More importantly, the superhydrophobic sponge could be sustained 400 cycles of compressing test without losing their superhydrophobicity, exhibiting the high elasticity, robustness, and durability. To extend application field, superhydrophobic filter paper was used for oil–water separation. Interestingly, tunable wettability was received when oleophobic silica was employed instead of hydrophobic silica. We expected that this low-cost process can be used for oil-spill cleanup.
Co-reporter:Guina Ren;Zhaozhu Zhang;Xiaotao Zhu;Mingming Yang
Journal of Materials Science 2015 Volume 50( Issue 3) pp:1065-1070
Publication Date(Web):2015 February
DOI:10.1007/s10853-014-8663-8
Exploring effective lubricant fillers to improve the tribological performance of the fabric composites would have practical applications. Herein, we developed nano- and micro-dimensional WS2 as fillers to improve the tribological property of the hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite. Sliding wear tests showed that the WS2-filled fabric composites displayed improved antiwear behavior under all the test conditions, compared to the unfilled one. The optimum content of WS2 to fill the fabric composites was 2 wt% for nano-dimensional WS2 and 4 wt% for micro-dimensional WS2. We also investigated the unfilled, nano-dimensional WS2-filled, and micro-dimensional WS2-filled fabric composites under varied test conditions, and the corresponding wear mechanisms were discussed based on the characterizations.
Co-reporter:Mingming Yang;Zhaozhu Zhang;Xiaotao Zhu;Xuehu Men;Guina Ren
Friction 2015 Volume 3( Issue 1) pp:72-81
Publication Date(Web):2015 March
DOI:10.1007/s40544-015-0076-4
The development of a phenol formaldehyde/graphene (PF-graphene) composite coating with high performance is desirable but remains a challenge, because of the ultrahigh surface area and surface inertia of the graphene. Herein, we synthesized PF-graphene composites by the in situ polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde with the addition of graphene oxide, resulting in improved compatibility between the graphene and phenolic resin (PF) matrix and endowing the phenolic resin with good thermal stability and excellent tribological properties. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns demonstrated that the graphene oxide was reduced during the in-situ polymerization. The PF-graphene composites were sprayed onto steel blocks to form composite coatings. The effects of an applied load and of the sliding speed on the tribological properties of the PF-graphene composite coating were evaluated using a block-on-ring wear tester; in addition, the worn surface and the transfer film formed on the surface of the counterpart ring were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the PF-graphene composite coating exhibited enhanced tribological properties under all tested conditions.
Co-reporter:Bo Ge, Xiaotao Zhu, Yong Li, Xuehu Men, Peilong Li, Zhaozhu Zhang
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2015 Volume 482() pp:687-692
Publication Date(Web):5 October 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2015.05.061
•A magnetically superhydrophobic sponge was fabricated by a facile method.•This sponge can be applied as reusable oil sorbent.•There was no plastic deformation even after 200 cycles of compressing test.Development of superhydrophobic materials that can remove oil pollutant from water by an energy-efficient way is highly desirable. In this study, we present a novel composite material base on commercially available polyurethane foams functionalized with magnetic superhydrophobic nanoparticles, which can be used for removal of contaminants from water. In addition to the water repellent and oil absorbing capacities, the functionalized foams exhibit magnetic respond. When a piece of coated foam was placed on the surface of oil/water mixture, the foam could be manipulated to the oil-polluted region by magnet bar; they can absorb the floating oil from the polluted regions, hence purifying the water underneath. This low cost process can easily be scaled up to clean large area oil spills in water.
Co-reporter:Bo Ge, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xiaotao Zhu, Xuehu Men, Xiaoyan Zhou, Qunji Xue
Composites Science and Technology 2014 Volume 102() pp:100-105
Publication Date(Web):6 October 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.compscitech.2014.07.020
Development of functional materials that can remove oil from water by an energy-efficient way is highly desirable yet still challenging. Herein, graphene coated cotton was fabricated by a self-assemble technique. This graphene coated cotton could be used as an oil absorbent material, due to its superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity. It was found that the oil absorption capacity of the graphene coated cotton differed slightly after ten cycles of oil–water separation. The graphene coated cotton also possessed excellent mechanical properties, resulting from the special texture combined the advantages of graphene and raw cotton. Most interestingly, when applied in conjunction with a vacuum system, the time needs for oil collection was shortened. We believe that this kind of sorbent is a promising candidate for use in large-scale removal of oils from water.
Co-reporter:Xiaotao Zhu, Zhaozhu Zhang, Bo Ge, Xuehu Men, Xiaoyan Zhou, Qunji Xue
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 2014 Volume 432() pp:105-108
Publication Date(Web):15 October 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2014.06.056
•We developed the dip-coating method to produce oil–water separation materials.•The obtained materials can separate oil from water with a high efficiency.•The high efficiency was retained after 10 cycles of oil–water separation process.Designing functional materials that can be used for oil–water separation in an efficient and cost-effective process is highly desired yet still challenging. Herein, three functional materials used for oil–water separation are readily produced by a dip coating process. Three typical porous materials including copper mesh, fabric, and sponge were dipped into the solution of polyfluorowax-hydrophobic SiO2 to alter their surface texture and chemistry, allowing them to exhibit superhydrophobic property. It was found that the resulting superhydrophobic copper mesh and fabric can be used as a membrane to separate oil–water mixture efficiency; while the obtained superhydrophobic sponge was demonstrated as an oil sorbent scaffold to absorb oil from the oil–water mixture selectively. More importantly, these superhydrophobic materials can retain their oil–water separation efficiency even after 10 cycles of oil–water separation.Graphical abstract
Co-reporter:Xiaotao Zhu, Zhaozhu Zhang, Guina Ren, Xuehu Men, Bo Ge, Xiaoyan Zhou
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 2014 Volume 421() pp:141-145
Publication Date(Web):1 May 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2014.01.026
•A transparent superamphiphobic coating was produced using CNTs as a template.•The superamphiphobicity was retained after thermal treatment at 400 °C.•Surface wettability can be controlled through varying the surface texture.Creating surfaces with superamphiphobic property and optical transparency simultaneously would have fundamental and practical significance but has been proven extremely challenging. Herein, we develop a transparent superamphiphobic coating using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the template by a facile approach. CNTs enwrapped with SiO2 coating was produced by a sol–gel method and then sprayed onto the glass slides to form coatings. Subsequent thermal treatment and surface fluoration allowed the sprayed coating to exhibit enhanced transparency across a broad spectrum of ultraviolet and visible wavelengths and also display superrepellency toward water and a number of organic liquids, such as dodecane. The obtained transparent coating can sustain its superamphiphobicity even after thermal treatment at 400 °C. Separate experiment demonstrated that the CNTs-directed geometrical structure played a key role in establishing superamphiphobicity.Graphical abstract
Co-reporter:Guina Ren, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xiaotao Zhu, Mingming Yang, Xuehu Men, Wei Jiang, Weimin Liu
Composites Science and Technology 2014 Volume 104() pp:146-151
Publication Date(Web):19 November 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.compscitech.2014.09.011
Producing fabric composites with improved high-temperature tribological property is highly desired for their use in practical application, yet still challenging. Herein, we employed MoSi2 as anti-oxidant and filled it into the hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite. The high-temperature tribological properties of the fabric composites were evaluated on a pin-on-disk tribometer. The results showed that the MoSi2 filled fabric composites displayed much lower wear rates in high-temperature environment, comparing to that of unfilled fabric composite. Moreover, the antiwear property of the MoSi2 filled fabric composite can be further improved by treating the fabric with air-plasma, as the bonding strength between the fabric and resin was evidently enhanced. The wear behaviors and the corresponding wear mechanisms of the composites were discussed based on the characterizations.
Co-reporter:Bo Ge, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Xiaotao Zhu, Xiaoyan Zhou
Applied Surface Science 2014 Volume 293() pp:271-274
Publication Date(Web):28 February 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2013.12.148
Highlights
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A superamphiphobic surface was fabricated by a facile method.
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Tunable surface wettability has been achieved.
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The resulting superamphiphobic surface possesses enhanced corrosion resistance.
Co-reporter:Bo Ge, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xiaotao Zhu, Xuehu Men, Xiaoyan Zhou
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2014 Volume 457() pp:397-401
Publication Date(Web):5 September 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2014.06.020
•A superhydrophobic/superoleophilic sponge was fabricated by a facile method.•The PVDF-HFP was used to solve the limited adhesion problem.•After compression tests, no particles detached from the superhydrophobic sponge.Fabrication of robust superhydrophobic porous materials for oil removal is of great importance for industrial applications. However the poor adhesion between porous substrate and superhydrophobic coatings severely hinders their use in practical application. Herein, we fabricated a robust superhydrophobic and superoleophilic CNTs-SiO2 coated polyurethane sponge for the selective absorption of oils from water. The mechanical stability of the resulting sponges was investigated by a compression test, and the result demonstrated that it still showed excellent elasticity and mechanical stability after repeated compression test. By combining its wettability and porosity, the as prepared sponges can fast and selectively absorb various kinds of oils from water. More importantly, the superhydrophobic sponge could be reused in oil–water separation for many cycles without losing its high oil absorption capacity. The study provides a fast and simple approach for removal of oils from water.
Co-reporter:Xiaotao Zhu, Zhaozhu Zhang, Bo Ge, Xuehu Men, Xiaoyan Zhou
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2014 Volume 444() pp:252-256
Publication Date(Web):5 March 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2013.12.066
•The coating can keep superhydrophobicity after thermal treatment at 400 °C.•The oil-contaminated coating can regenerate superhydrophobicity after heating.•The obtained superhydrophobic coating possessed easy repairability.Development of superhydrophobic surfaces is severely hindered by their susceptibility to oil fouling and mechanical damage. Herein, to address this challenge, we fabricated a superhydrophobic coating with good reusability and easy repairability by spraying multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto substrates followed by surface fluoration. Water droplets exhibit spherical shape on the obtained coating and could roll off the coating at a small tilt angle. Due to its thermal stability, the oil-fouled CNTs coating can regenerate its superhydrophobic property for repeated use by thermally removing the oil contaminants in air. Moreover, when the CNTs coating loses the superhydrophobicity owing to mechanical abrasion, it can be easily rendered with superhydrophobicity once more by a simple regeneration process.A superhydrophobic coating with good reusability and easy reparability was fabricated by a facile method.
Co-reporter:Guina Ren;Zhaozhu Zhang;Xiaotao Zhu;Xuehu Men
Journal of Materials Science 2014 Volume 49( Issue 10) pp:3716-3724
Publication Date(Web):2014 May
DOI:10.1007/s10853-014-8081-y
To improve the antiwear property and load carrying capacity of hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composites, graphene and graphene oxide (GO) had been synthesized and were employed as fillers, together with graphite. Sliding wear tests show that the wear rates of filler-reinforced PTFE/Nomex fabric composites were reduced greatly when compared to unfilled fabric composite. Besides, it was found that the 2 wt% GO filled PTFE/Nomex fabric composites exhibited the optimal tribological properties. It was proposed that the self-lubrication of GO, the favorable interface stability of the composite, and the uniform transfer film on the counterpart pin contributed together to the reinforced tribological property of GO filled PTFE/Nomex fabric composite. We also investigated the influence of filler content, applied load, sliding speed, and tensile and bonding strength on the tribological properties of PTFE/Nomex fabric composites.
Co-reporter:Guina Ren;Zhaozhu Zhang;Xiaotao Zhu;Xuehu Men;Wei Jiang;Weimin Liu
Friction 2014 Volume 2( Issue 3) pp:264-271
Publication Date(Web):2014 September
DOI:10.1007/s40544-014-0046-2
A Nomex fabric/phenolic composite was prepared, and its tribological properties were evaluated under dry and water-bathed sliding conditions by a pin-on-disk tribometer. The resulting size of the friction coefficient for the Nomex fabric/phenolic composite in the study occurred in the following order: dry sliding condition > distilled water-bathed sliding condition > sea water-bathed sliding condition. The fabric composite’s wear rate from high to low was as follows: distilled water-bathed sliding condition > sea water-bathed sliding condition > dry sliding condition. Under water-bathed sliding conditions, penetration of water into the cracks accelerated the composite’s invalidation process, resulting in a higher wear rate. We also found that the extent of corrosion and transfer film formed on the counterpart pin significantly influenced the wear rate of the Nomex fabric composite. Discussion of the Nomex fabric composite’s wear mechanisms under the sliding conditions investigated is provided on the basis of the characterization results.
Co-reporter:Xiaoyan Zhou, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xianghui Xu, Fang Guo, Xiaotao Zhu, Xuehu Men, and Bo Ge
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2013 Volume 5(Issue 15) pp:7208
Publication Date(Web):July 3, 2013
DOI:10.1021/am4015346
By introducing the incorporation of polyaniline and fluorinated alkyl silane to the cotton fabric via a facile vapor phase deposition process, the fabric surface possessed superhydrophobicity with the water contact angle of 156° and superoleophilicity with the oil contact angle of 0°. The as-prepared fabric can be applied as effective materials for the separation of water and oil mixture with separation efficiency as high as 97.8%. Compared with other materials for oil/water separation, the reported process was simple, time-saving, and repeatable for at least 30 times. Moreover, the obtained fabric kept stable superhydrophobicity and high separation efficiency under extreme environment conditions of high temperature, high humidity, strong acidic or alkaline solutions, and mechanical forces. Therefore, this reported fabric has the advantages of scalable fabrication, high separation efficiency, stable recyclability, and excellent durability, exhibiting the strong potential for industrial production.Keywords: cotton fabric; durability; oil/water separation; recyclability; superhydrophobicity;
Co-reporter:Xiaoyan Zhou, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xianghui Xu, Xuehu Men, Xiaotao Zhu
Applied Surface Science 2013 Volume 276() pp:571-577
Publication Date(Web):1 July 2013
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2013.03.135
Highlights
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We fabricated super-repellent cotton textiles by in situ doping polymerization.
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The textile displayed extreme resistance to wetting from diverse liquids.
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A rapid and reversible wettability switching of various liquids could be observed.
Co-reporter:Xiaoyan Zhou, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xianghui Xu, Xuehu Men, and Xiaotao Zhu
Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 2013 Volume 52(Issue 27) pp:9411-9416
Publication Date(Web):June 13, 2013
DOI:10.1021/ie400942t
A simple vapor-phase deposition process has been developed to fabricate a superhydrophobic and superoleophilic sponge using ordinary commercial polyurethane sponges. The simultaneous properties of superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity enable the sponge to float on the water surface and selectively absorb oil from water. Its uptake capacities of different oils (motor oil, lubricating oil, pump oil, silicone oil, and soybean oil) in the oil–water mixtures were all above 20 g/g. The absorbed oil could be collected by squeezing the sponge, and the recovered sponge could be reused in oil–water separation for many cycles while still maintaining a high capacity. This is helpful for realizing the proper disposal of the oil and avoiding secondary pollution. A similar experiment was performed using the as-prepared sponge to remove petroleum from contaminated water. The results suggest that our material might find practical applications in the cleanup of oil spills and the removal of organic pollutants from water surfaces.
Co-reporter:Fang Guo;Zhaozhu Zhang;Xianghui Xu;Wei Jiang ;Kun Wang
Journal of Applied Polymer Science 2013 Volume 130( Issue 2) pp:1313-1320
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/app.39316
ABSTRACT
Friction and wear behaviors of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) modified PBO fabric composites were evaluated in a pin-on-disc friction and wear tester, and the relationship between the properties and the structure change resulting from PVA modification were intensively investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and scanning electronic microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The results indicated that the PVA thin film formed on the fabric surface by chemical crosslinking reaction could improve the antiwear property of the PBO fabric composites efficiently. In argon-300°C condition, the antiwear property of the PBO fabric composites was improved by 35%, which was due to the improvement of the bonding strength between the fabric and resin and the dispersion of the shear stress induced by the shear creep and plastic deformation of the PVA film in friction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1313-1320, 2013
Co-reporter:Guina Ren, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xiaotao Zhu, Bo Ge, Fang Guo, Xuehu Men, Weimin Liu
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing 2013 Volume 49() pp:157-164
Publication Date(Web):June 2013
DOI:10.1016/j.compositesa.2013.03.001
Graphene and polystyrene functionalized graphene (PS-graphene) had been synthesized, and were employed as fillers to improve the anti-wear property and load-carrying capacity of Nomex fabric/phenolic composites. Pin-on-disk type wear tests show that the friction coefficients and wear rates for both graphene and PS-graphene filled fabric/phenolic composites were reduced, when compared with unfilled fabric composite. Moreover, it was found that the 2 wt% PS-graphene filled Nomex fabric/phenolic composites exhibited the optimal tribological properties. The enhancement on the wear property of graphene and PS-graphene filled Nomex fabric composite was mainly due to the self-lubrication of graphene and the easy-formed transfer film on the counterpart pin. We also investigated the effect of filler content, applied load, and sliding speed on the tribological properties of the Nomex fabric/phenolic composites.
Co-reporter:Bo Ge, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xiaotao Zhu, Guina Ren, Xuehu Men, Xiaoyan Zhou
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2013 Volume 429() pp:129-133
Publication Date(Web):20 July 2013
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2013.04.004
•A magnetically superhydrophobic bulk material was fabricated by a facile method.•The oil absorbed in the bulk material could be removed by burning in air.•The oil absorption capacity differs slightly even after 10 oil-removal cycles.Traditionally oil-removal technologies are energy-intensive and suffer from limited reusability. Herein, to address this challenge, we fabricated a magnetically superhydrophobic bulk material with good reusability for oil-removal by a facile approach. The magnetically bulk material can selectively absorb the oil spreading on water surface, due to its superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity, and can be easily collected from water under magnetic field. The oil absorbed in the magnetic bulk material could be removed just by burning in air, which allowed the magnetic bulk material to be used for oil-removal once more. Interestingly, small powers cut from the magnetic bulk material can also be used to remove oil from water in this way. Importantly, the oil absorption capability of the magnetic bulk material differs slightly even after 10 oil-removal cycles.
Co-reporter:Jin Yang, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xianghui Xu, Xiaotao Zhu, Xuehu Men and Xiaoyan Zhou
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2012 vol. 22(Issue 7) pp:2834-2837
Publication Date(Web):06 Jan 2012
DOI:10.1039/C2JM15987B
A novel superhydrophilic and superoleophobic nanocomposite coating is fabricated by spray casting nanoparticle–polymer suspensions on various substrates. Water droplets can spread over the coating completely; meanwhile, oil droplets can roll off the coating at low tilt angles without any penetration. Besides overcoming oil-fouling problems for the hydrophilic coating, the superhydrophilic–superoleophobic coating applied to the stainless steel mesh can be used for the separation of oil and water.
Co-reporter:Xiaotao Zhu, Zhaozhu Zhang, Guina Ren, Jin Yang, Kun Wang, Xianghui Xu, Xuehu Men and Xiaoyan Zhou
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2012 vol. 22(Issue 38) pp:20146-20148
Publication Date(Web):09 Aug 2012
DOI:10.1039/C2JM33769J
To solve the mechanical damage and oil fouling problems, a novel superhydrophobic bulk material was fabricated by a simple approach. The superhydrophobic property of the resulting bulk material was retained after 20 abrasion cycles and even after cutting deep into it. The bulk material can thermally regenerate its superhydrophobicity for repeated use when fouled by oil. Exploiting this material's superhydrophobicity and thermal stability, the strongly oleophilic bulk material is demonstrated as a reusable oil sorbent scaffold in water.
Co-reporter:Xiaotao Zhu, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xianghui Xu, Xuehu Men, Jin Yang, Xiaoyan Zhou, Qunji Xue
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 2012 Volume 367(Issue 1) pp:443-449
Publication Date(Web):1 February 2012
DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2011.10.008
A simple solution-immersion technique was developed for the fabrication of a superamphiphobic surface on the copper sheet. Hierarchical structure composed of nanorod arrays and microflowers was formed on the copper surface by an alkali assistant oxidation process; after fluorination, the surface became super-repellent toward water and several organic liquids possessing much lower surface tension than that of water, such as hexadecane. Such superamphiphobicity is attributed to the synergistic effect of their special surface chemicals and microscopic structures, which allows for the formation of a composite interface with all probing liquids tested. We also discuss the effects of surface chemical constituent and geometrical structure on hydrophobicity and oleophobicity; such information allows us to engineer surfaces with specific oleophobic behavior. Additionally, the stability of the composite interface on the created superamphiphobic surface is studied by the compression and immersion test.Graphical abstractThe surface can support a composite interface and display high contact angles (CAs) with several liquids possessing low surface tension.Highlights► The superamphiphobic surface was fabricated by a facile method. ► The surface wettability can be tuned by surface constitution and geometrical structure. ► The superamphiphobic surface can remain the Cassie state after immersion and compression test. ► The superamphiphobic property can be easily restored when damaged.
Co-reporter:Jin Yang, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Xianghui Xu, Xiaotao Zhu, Xiaoyan Zhou, Qunji Xue
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 2012 Volume 366(Issue 1) pp:191-195
Publication Date(Web):15 January 2012
DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2011.09.076
We use a simple layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly and counterion exchange technology to rapidly and reversibly manipulate the oleophobicity of the textured aluminum surfaces. Such textured surfaces can be produced by the HCl etching and boiling water treatment of the flat aluminum plates. The LbL deposition of polyelectrolytes is performed on these surfaces to generate the polyelectrolyte multilayer films. The films are able to coordinate with perfluorooctanoate anions, leading to the surfaces with different oleophobicity. The resulting surface produced by 1.5 cycles of polyelectrolyte deposition exhibits superoleophobicity by displaying contact angles greater than 150° with low surface tension liquids. Counterion exchange in this polyelectrolyte multilayer emerged easily to control the surface composition, which leads to tunable wettability that can be rapidly and reversibly switched between superoleophobicity and superoleophilicity.Graphical abstractHighlights► We use layer-by-layer assembly technology to fabricate superoleophobic surfaces. ► The surface is produced by the etching and boiling water treatment of the aluminum. ► The number of polyelectrolyte deposition cycles has a great effect on oleophobicity. ► Surface oleophobicity can be rapidly and reversibly switched by counterion exchange.
Co-reporter:XiangHui Xu, ZhaoZhu Zhang, Fang Guo, Jin Yang, XiaoTao Zhu, XiaoYan Zhou, QunJi Xue
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2012 Volume 396() pp:90-95
Publication Date(Web):20 February 2012
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2011.12.046
Superhydrophobic Zn surface has been fabricated by galvanic replacement reactions. The focus of this paper is the effect of various experimental parameters on the wetting behavior of superhydrophobic Zn surface, such as the solution concentration, immersion time, and pretreating temperatures. These factors directly affect the surface morphology and change surface roughness. The effect of alkyl chain length of thiol on surface wetting property has been studied. The CA of the as-prepared surface increased as alkyl chain length added. The superhydrophobic Zn surface has remarkable chemical stability even in corrosive solutions over a wide range of pH value. Meanwhile, property of (super) oleophobicity is successfully obtained by modifying the structured Zn surface with low surface energy materials.Graphical abstractHighlights► The effects of experimental parameters on the wetting behavior of the superhydrophobic Zn surface have been investigated. ► The CA of the as-prepared surface increased as alkyl chain length of thiol adding. ► The resulting Zn surface has a remarkable chemical stability even in corrosive solutions over a wide pH range. ► The property of (super) oleophobicity is successfully obtained by modification with low surface energy materials.
Co-reporter:Xiaoyan Zhou, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xianghui Xu, Jin Yang, Xuehu Men, Xiaotao Zhu
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2012 Volume 412() pp:129-134
Publication Date(Web):20 October 2012
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2012.07.027
A superhydrophobic polyaniline (PANI) film was fabricated by using a facile one-step spraying method. The sprayed film showed stable superhydrophobic behavior at ambient environment for more than a month. However, after plasma treatment, the surface turned superhydrophilic and such wettability transition may be attributed to the change of surface composition since its rough surface microstructure remained the same as the pristine film without any treatment. The damaged film possessed a recoverable characteristic of superhydrophobicity when it was simply left in normal ambient conditions. After storage for 48 h, the low-energy-materials gradually transferred to the top surface and the superhydrophobicity of the damaged surface was healed. This recovery time can be shortened to only 10 min when the etched PANI film was wetted by deionized water.Graphical abstractHighlights► We fabricated the recoverable and stable superhydrophobic polyaniline films. ► The recoverable function was certified by the air plasma treatment. ► The damaged film can restore its superhydrophobicity in 48 h at room temperature.
Co-reporter:Xiaotao Zhu, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Jin Yang, Kun Wang, Xianghui Xu, Xiaoyan Zhou and Qunji Xue
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2011 vol. 21(Issue 39) pp:15793-15797
Publication Date(Web):07 Sep 2011
DOI:10.1039/C1JM12513C
Development of superhydrophobic self-cleaning materials is hindered by their susceptibility to mechanical abrasion. Here, to solve the problem caused by mechanical damage, we prepared a superhydrophobic metal/polymer composite surface possessing both mechanical durability and easy repairability. The mechanical durability of the resulting superhydrophobic surface was evaluated by the abrasion test. The result demonstrated that the rough surface textures were retained and the surface still exhibited superhydrophobicity after mechanical abrasion. Moreover, the non-wetting property can be restored by an easy regeneration process when loss of superhydrophobicity occurs. Amazingly, the created metal/polymer surface can be used as a finger touchable self-cleaning surface.
Co-reporter:Jin Yang, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Xianghui Xu, Xiaotao Zhu
Carbon 2011 Volume 49(Issue 1) pp:19-23
Publication Date(Web):January 2011
DOI:10.1016/j.carbon.2010.08.033
A superhydrophobic carbon nanotube (CNT) film is fabricated by a simple spray-coating method without any chemical modification. The superhydrophobic surface changes after heating to a state of superhydrophilic wettability, and such transition may be attributed to the change of electronic structures of CNTs since the surface structure and composition after treated remain the same as the pristine CNTs. The initial wettability state is reestablished within 24 h of storage in air, and the time can be shortened to only 1 min when the heated CNT film was stored in deionized water.Graphical abstractReversible switching between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity obtained by alternating heating and air storage was observed on the pristine CNT film. This reversible surface wettability may be attributed to the change of surface charges of CNTs.Research highlights► Simple method to fabricate a superhydrophobic carbon nanotube film. ► Reversible wettability switching by alternating heating and air storage was observed. ► The reversible wettability may be attributed to the change of surface charges. ► Potential applications in areas requiring multifunctional CNT-based films.
Co-reporter:Xiaoyan Zhou, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Jin Yang, Xianghui Xu, Xiaotao Zhu, Qunji Xue
Applied Surface Science 2011 Volume 258(Issue 1) pp:285-289
Publication Date(Web):15 October 2011
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2011.08.051
Abstract
A superhydrophobic polyaniline (PANI) film has been fabricated by using a facile one-step spraying method. The PANI was synthesized via in situ doping polymerization in the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as the dopant. The water contact angle of this superhydrophobic surface reaches to 156°. Both the surface chemical compositions and morphological structures were analyzed. A granular morphology of PANI with a moderate amount of nanofibers was obtained. Moreover, a rapid surface wettability transition between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity can be observed when it is doped with PFOA and de-doped with base. The mechanism for this tunable wettability has been discussed in detail.
Co-reporter:XiangHui Xu, ZhaoZhu Zhang, Fang Guo, Jin Yang, XiaoTao Zhu
Applied Surface Science 2011 Volume 257(Issue 16) pp:7054-7060
Publication Date(Web):1 June 2011
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2011.02.136
Abstract
Ag–TiO2–Thiol/Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) coating has been prepared via adsorbed-layer nanoreactor technique and self-assembling method. The composite coating shows a superhydrophobic property with reversible switching of adhesion. In the UV–vis spectra, absorption appeared in ultraviolet region of 229–293 nm (UVC region) and 320–370 nm (UVA region). Additionally, the stability of the superhydrophobic surface was tested under the following conditions: (1) in basic solution (pH = 14); (2) in acid solution (pH = 1); (3) in artificial seawater. The coating shows stability since the contact angle of the sample still remained higher than 150° in the above conditions. The corrosion resistance of the superhydrophobic surfaces was investigated by electrochemical measurements and the results revealed that the superhydrophobic coatings are anticorrosive well.
Co-reporter:Jin Yang, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xianghui Xu, Xuehu Men, Xiaotao Zhu and Xiaoyan Zhou
New Journal of Chemistry 2011 vol. 35(Issue 11) pp:2422-2426
Publication Date(Web):20 Jul 2011
DOI:10.1039/C1NJ20401G
With the aim of creating superoleophobic surfaces on engineering materials and understanding the influences of surface structures on the oleophobicity, we develop a convenient route to achieve superoleophobic surfaces on aluminum substrates using simple etching and surface fluorination. The liquid repellency of the textured surface is demonstrated by visible experimental results and contact angle measurements. Etching conditions, such as the etching time and etching procedure, play critical roles in establishing the oleophobicity. The micrometre-scale structures are essential for achieving the composite interface with low surface tension liquids, and the nanoscale structures formed in the treatment with boiling water lead to a decrease of contact angle hysteresis, bringing about an enhancement of superoleophobicity.
Co-reporter:Xuehu Men, Zhaozhu Zhang, Jin Yang, Xiaotao Zhu, Kun Wang and Wei Jiang
New Journal of Chemistry 2011 vol. 35(Issue 4) pp:881-886
Publication Date(Web):07 Feb 2011
DOI:10.1039/C0NJ00954G
With the aim of creating superhydrophobic coatings with longtime service life, to avoid the permanent destroying under practical conditions, a simple technique for fabrication of superhydrophobic coatings with regenerability was developed using a facile and convenient method of spraying. The as-prepared poly(furfuryl alcohol)/calcium hydroxide (PFA/Ca(OH)2) composite coatings were used to fabricate superhydrophobic coatings after modification with potassium stearate solution. When the superhydrophobic coating surfaces were destroyed, the damaged surfaces could be restored completely after being modified again, and the superhydrophobicity of the surfaces was regenerated at the same time. Additionally, the regenerative superhydrophobic coatings could perhaps show the most promise for a wide array of applications as they can be applied to various surfaces without limitations of size and shape, they do not typically require expensive materials and complicated application methods, and they can be easily restored after being destroyed.
Co-reporter:Jin Yang, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Xianghui Xu and Xiaotao Zhu
New Journal of Chemistry 2011 vol. 35(Issue 3) pp:576-580
Publication Date(Web):22 Dec 2010
DOI:10.1039/C0NJ00826E
We describe a simple method to synthesize copper perfluorooctanoate and fabricate superoleophobic coatings by spraying a copper perfluorooctanoate suspension onto substrates. The re-entrant morphology and high perfluorinated carbon content provide the needed texture and low surface energy to enable the formation of a composite solid–liquid–air interface with low surface tension liquids. Liquid repellency of the fabricated coating is demonstrated by visible experiment results and contact angle measurements. The robustness of the superoleophobicity is investigated by a compression experiment, which shows that the composite interface can maintain its stability against a pressure difference across the interface. The superoleophobic coating can be applied to various surfaces without limitations of size and shape. More importantly, the coatings are easily repaired after being mechanically damaged because of their simple fabrication method.
Co-reporter:Jin Yang, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Xianghui Xu, Xiaotao Zhu, and Xiaoyan Zhou
Langmuir 2011 Volume 27(Issue 12) pp:7357-7360
Publication Date(Web):May 17, 2011
DOI:10.1021/la201117e
We describe a simple layer-by-layer (LbL) technology and counterion exchange procedure to tune the liquid wettability of commercially available cotton fabrics. A polyelectrolyte multilayer is deposited on the fabric surface by the LbL technology, and counterion exchange is used to control the surface composition and thereby to modulate the solid surface energy. The tunability of the solid surface energy, along with the inherent re-entrant texture of the cotton fabric, results in simultaneously switchable wettability between a nonwetting state and a fully wetted state for water and hexadecane. This switchable hydrophobicity and oleophobicity can be explained within a robustness factor, which is a quantitative criterion for the transition between the two states. The counterion exchange can be confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis.
Co-reporter:Xiang Hui Xu, Zhao Zhu Zhang, Jin Yang, XiaoTao Zhu
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2011 Volume 377(1–3) pp:70-75
Publication Date(Web):5 March 2011
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2010.12.024
Superhydrophobic metal mesh has been fabricated by a simple spraying method. The processes of decreasing surface free energy and increasing surface roughness have been accomplished in one step via the reaction of metal salts and alkanethiols. The loading capacity of these superhydrophobic meshes was performed. The largest loading capacity appeared with pore size of 90 μm. Furthermore, the stability and the corrosion resistance of the copper mesh were investigated. The surfaces remain superhydrophobic in acidic and basic solution over a wide range of pH value (from 1 to 13). The polarization current is reduced by two orders of magnitude with the superhydrophobic coating, which means the coating can provide protection for the substrate.Graphical abstractThe polarization current is reduced by two orders of magnitude with the superhydrophobic coating, which means the coating can provide protection for the substrate. The surfaces remain superhydrophobic in acidic and basic solution in a wide range of pH value (from 1 to 13) for 24 h.Research highlights▶ Superhydrophobic metal mesh has been fabricated by spraying method. ▶ The largest loading capacity of these superhydrophobic meshes appeared with pore size of 90 micron. ▶ The mesh surfaces remain superhydrophobic in acidic and basic solution over a wide range of pH value (from 1 to 13). ▶ The polarization current is reduced by two orders of magnitude with the superhydrophobic coating, which means the coating can provide protection for the substrate.
Co-reporter:Xiaotao Zhu, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xianghui Xu, Xuehu Men, Jin Yang, Xiaoyan Zhou, and Qunji Xue
Langmuir 2011 Volume 27(Issue 23) pp:14508-14513
Publication Date(Web):October 27, 2011
DOI:10.1021/la202753m
We described a facile approach to rapidly achieve the reversible oil wettability and adhesion transition on the copper substrate. Plasma treatment and surface fluorination were used to tune the surface composition, and this tunability of the surface composition, along with the stable surface roughness, gave rise to the switchable wettability varying from superoleophobicity to superoleophilicity and reversible oil adhesion between sliding superoleophobicity and sticky superoleophobicity. It took only 1.25 min to realize the whole wettability transition and 5 min for the whole adhesion transition. Additionally, the application of a sticky superoleophobic surface was demonstrated. This study represents an important addition to the field of functional superoleophobic materials.
Co-reporter:Xiaotao Zhu, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Jin Yang, and Xianghui Xu
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2010 Volume 2(Issue 12) pp:3636
Publication Date(Web):November 12, 2010
DOI:10.1021/am100808v
We have developed a facile and time-saving method to prepare superhydrophobic surfaces on copper sheets. Various surface textures composed of Cu(OH)2 nanorod arrays and CuO microflowers/Cu(OH)2 nanorod arrays hierarchical structure were prepared by a simple solution-immersion process. After chemical modification with stearic acid, the wettability of the as-prepared surfaces was changed from superhydrophilicity to superhydrophobicity. The shortest processing time for fabricating a superhydrophobic surface was 1.5 min. Interestingly, the rapid wettability transition between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity can be realized on the prepared surfaces with ease by the alternation of air-plasma treatment and stearic acid coating. It took just 2 min to complete the whole wettability transition. Additionally, the regeneration of the superhydrophobic surface is also considered regarding its application.Keywords: air-plasma treatment; rapid formation; regenerative; smart; superhydrophobic surface; wettability transition
Co-reporter:Xiaotao Zhu, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Jin Yang, Xianghui Xu
Applied Surface Science 2010 Volume 256(Issue 24) pp:7619-7622
Publication Date(Web):1 October 2010
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2010.06.014
Abstract
The superhydrophobic ZnO surface possessing water adhesive reversibility is fabricated by a facile method. The as-prepared surface is low adhesive; however, after being irradiated by UV light through a photomask, it becomes highly adhesive. A water droplet can suspend on the irradiated surface. Further annealing the irradiated surface, water droplets can roll on the surface again. Reversible transition between the high adhesive pinning state and low adhesive rolling state can be realized simply by UV illumination and heat treatment alternately. The adhesion transition is attributed to the adsorption/desorption of surface hydroxyl groups and the organic chains rearrangement on the top surfaces of ZnO.
Co-reporter:Jin Yang, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Xianghui Xu and Xiaotao Zhu
Langmuir 2010 Volume 26(Issue 12) pp:10198-10202
Publication Date(Web):April 15, 2010
DOI:10.1021/la100355n
We describe a simple method of fabricating a superhydrophobic carbon nanotube (CNT) film without any chemical modification. A remarkable surface wettability transition between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity can be easily observed by the alternation of UV irradiation and dark storage. The adsorption and desorption of surface water molecules on the CNT surfaces account for their tunable surface wettability, which is disclosed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. We also perform a series of comparison experiments to confirm the explanation of its distinctive surface wettability. This switchable wettability on the CNT film could have potential applications in areas requiring multifunctional CNT-based films.
Co-reporter:Jin Yang, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Xianghui Xu, Xiaotao Zhu
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2010 Volume 367(1–3) pp:60-64
Publication Date(Web):5 September 2010
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2010.06.016
A simple approach is proposed to fabricate a regenerable superhydrophobic coating constructed by spraying metal alkylcarboxylate dispersion on any substrates. This dispersion is prepared by the reaction of metal salt and alkylcarboxyl acid in ethanol solution. The sprayed coating with the flowerlike hierarchical structures shows stable super-repellent behavior for several oily liquids such as ethylene glycol and benzyl alcohol. The advantage of the present approach is that the superhydrophobic performance can be easily repaired by spraying the dispersion again when the coating surfaces are damaged, and the cheap coating materials and simple fabrication approach allow the local repair at anytime and almost anywhere.
Co-reporter:Xianghui Xu, Zhaozhu Zhang, Fang Guo, Jin Yang, ... Qunji Xue
Journal of Bionic Engineering (March 2012) Volume 9(Issue 1) pp:11-17
Publication Date(Web):1 March 2012
DOI:10.1016/S1672-6529(11)60092-9
A superhydrophobic manganese oxide/polystyrene (MnO2/PS) nanocomposite coating was fabricated by a facile spraying process. The mixture solution of MnO2/PS was poured into a spray gun, and then sprayed onto the copper substrate using 0.2 MPa nitrogen gas to construct superhydrophobic coating. The wettability of the composite coating was measured by sessile drop method. When the weight ratio of MnO2 to PS is 0.5:1, the maximum of contact angle (CA) (140°) is obtained at drying temperature of 180 °C. As the content of MnO2 increases, the maximum of CA (155°) is achieved at 100 °C. Surface morphologies and chemical composition were analyzed to understand the effect of the content of MnO2 nanorods and the drying temperature on CA. The results show that the wettability of the coating can be controlled by the content of MnO2 nanorods and the drying temperature. Using the proposed method, the thickness of the coating can be controlled by the spraying times. If damaged, the coating can be repaired just by spraying the mixture solution again.
Co-reporter:Mingming Yang, Zhaozhu Zhang, Junya Yuan, Fang Guo, Xuehu Men, Weimin Liu
Composites Science and Technology (3 May 2017) Volume 143() pp:
Publication Date(Web):3 May 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.compscitech.2017.03.005
In present work, the dry sliding wear properties of hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric/phenolic composite (hybrid fabric composite), filled with aluminum diboride (AlB2), fluorinated graphite (FGr), and simultaneously filled with above fillers were investigated using a pin-on-disc tribo-meter. The wear rate and friction coefficient of hybrid fabric composite reinforced by different fillers were determined. Besides, the effects of fillers on hardness, thermal stability, thermal conductivity of hybrid fabric composites were systemically studied. The results showed that 3 wt% AlB2 filled hybrid fabric composite exhibited excellent anti-wear properties. The optimal filler percentage was determined by changing the content of FGr from 2 to 8 wt% whereas AlB2 was kept constant at 3 wt%. Those results mainly attributed to the improved hardness, thermal stability and thermal conductivity of hybrid fabric composite. Furthermore, the transfer film formed on the counterpart pin surfaces was demonstrated to be efficient in enhancing the tribological properties of filler reinforced hybrid fabric composites. The worn surfaces of the hybrid fabric composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the corresponding wear mechanisms were discussed based on the characterizations.
Co-reporter:Yong Li, Zhaozhu Zhang, Mengke Wang, Xuehu Men and Qunji Xue
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2017 - vol. 5(Issue 10) pp:NaN5087-5087
Publication Date(Web):2017/02/07
DOI:10.1039/C7TA00297A
Developing a facile and versatile strategy for rapidly separating complex oil–water mixtures and collecting the oil content simultaneously is extremely important. Therefore, we report robust porous polydivinylbenzene (PDVB)–PDMS decorated superhydrophobic melamine sponge and filter membrane synthesis via a one-pot and environmentally friendly method. A firm hierarchically nanoporous coating was formed with the growth of PDVB cross-linking networks in situ on the substrates through polymerization in the presence of a PDMS adhesive. Compared with most oil absorbents suffering from limited absorption capacity and complicated oil recovery processes, the prepared superhydrophobic melamine sponges not only show repeated oil-sorption capacity but also can be used as oil-collecting devices to immediately collect oils in situ on a large scale from water surfaces. Thus, oil–water separation and oil collection were realized simultaneously via the facile oil-collecting device which significantly reduces ecological impact and loss of energy and simplifies oil-spill cleanup processes. Moreover, the decorated sponge exhibits mechanical and chemical stability, which is capable of separating complex oil/water systems (corrosive aqueous solutions, cold or hot water and even extremely turbulent water). Importantly, the porous polymer modified membrane is able to separate various surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions with a high separation efficiency.
Co-reporter:Jin Yang, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xianghui Xu, Xiaotao Zhu, Xuehu Men and Xiaoyan Zhou
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2012 - vol. 22(Issue 7) pp:NaN2837-2837
Publication Date(Web):2012/01/06
DOI:10.1039/C2JM15987B
A novel superhydrophilic and superoleophobic nanocomposite coating is fabricated by spray casting nanoparticle–polymer suspensions on various substrates. Water droplets can spread over the coating completely; meanwhile, oil droplets can roll off the coating at low tilt angles without any penetration. Besides overcoming oil-fouling problems for the hydrophilic coating, the superhydrophilic–superoleophobic coating applied to the stainless steel mesh can be used for the separation of oil and water.
Co-reporter:Xiaotao Zhu, Zhaozhu Zhang, Xuehu Men, Jin Yang, Kun Wang, Xianghui Xu, Xiaoyan Zhou and Qunji Xue
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2011 - vol. 21(Issue 39) pp:NaN15797-15797
Publication Date(Web):2011/09/07
DOI:10.1039/C1JM12513C
Development of superhydrophobic self-cleaning materials is hindered by their susceptibility to mechanical abrasion. Here, to solve the problem caused by mechanical damage, we prepared a superhydrophobic metal/polymer composite surface possessing both mechanical durability and easy repairability. The mechanical durability of the resulting superhydrophobic surface was evaluated by the abrasion test. The result demonstrated that the rough surface textures were retained and the surface still exhibited superhydrophobicity after mechanical abrasion. Moreover, the non-wetting property can be restored by an easy regeneration process when loss of superhydrophobicity occurs. Amazingly, the created metal/polymer surface can be used as a finger touchable self-cleaning surface.
Co-reporter:Xiaotao Zhu, Zhaozhu Zhang, Guina Ren, Jin Yang, Kun Wang, Xianghui Xu, Xuehu Men and Xiaoyan Zhou
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2012 - vol. 22(Issue 38) pp:NaN20148-20148
Publication Date(Web):2012/08/09
DOI:10.1039/C2JM33769J
To solve the mechanical damage and oil fouling problems, a novel superhydrophobic bulk material was fabricated by a simple approach. The superhydrophobic property of the resulting bulk material was retained after 20 abrasion cycles and even after cutting deep into it. The bulk material can thermally regenerate its superhydrophobicity for repeated use when fouled by oil. Exploiting this material's superhydrophobicity and thermal stability, the strongly oleophilic bulk material is demonstrated as a reusable oil sorbent scaffold in water.
