Robust and Self-Healable Bulk-Superhydrophobic Polymeric Coating

Recovery of the compromised antifouling property because of perturbation in the essential chemistry on top of the hierarchical topography of a superhydrophobic coating is commonly achieved through some stimuli (temperature, humidity, pH, etc.)-driven reassociation of the low surface energy molecules. However, self-healing of superhydrophobicity in physically damaged materials having inappropriate topography is difficult to achieveand extremely important for the practical utility of this bioinspired property. Recently, very few materials have been introducedthat are capable of recovering the hierarchical featuresbut only after the application of appropriate external stimuli. Further, the optimization of appropriate stimuli is likely to be a challenging problem in practical scenarios. Here, we have strategically exploited a simple and robust 1,4-conjugate addition reaction between aliphatic primary amine and aliphatic acrylate groups for appropriate and covalent integration of a modified-graphene oxide nanosheetwhich is well recognized for its exceptional mechanical properties. The synthesized material exhibited a remarkable ability to protect the antifouling property from various harsh physical insults, including physical erosion of the top surface of the polymeric coating and various physical manipulations etc. However, after application of pressure on the same polymeric coating, the bioinspired, nonadhesive (contact angle hysteresis <5°) superhydrophobicity was compromised, and the physically damaged polymeric coating became highly adhesive (contact angle hysteresis ∼50°) and superhydrophobic. But, after releasing the pressure, the native nonadhesive (contact angle hysteresis