Stretchable hydrophobic materials and methods for making the same
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorsCurtis J. Larimer, Raymond S. Addleman, Michelle R. Brann, George T. Bonheyo, Eric M. Winder
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Abstract
Hydrophobic materials, processes for their production, and uses thereof are described. The materials can be made with silica or polytetrafluoroethylene particles embedded into a liquid polymer. The hydrophobic materials are stretchable.
Claims20
A process, comprising:
- applying a stretchable, hydrophobic coating to a substrate by dispensing liquid polymer to the substrate forming a layer of liquid polymer thereon,
- partially embedding a plurality of hydrophobic particles in the layer of liquid polymer, to form a coating on the substrate that is hydrophobic and stretchable, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic particles contains aggregate fibers.
A process, comprising:
- rendering a stretchable surface hydrophobic by dispensing liquid polymer substantially free of hydrophobic particles to a stretchable surface forming a layer of liquid polymer thereon, and
- embedding a plurality of hydrophobic particles into the layer of liquid polymer to form a hydrophobic surface, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic particles comprises aggregate fibers,
- wherein the hydrophobic surface exhibits an increase in water contact angle when stretched unilaterally to a length between about 110% to about 300% of its original length.
A process, comprising:
- manufacturing a stretchable, hydrophobic glove by dispensing liquid polymer substantially free of hydrophobic particles to the outer surface of a stretchable glove forming a layer of liquid polymer thereon,
- applying a plurality of hydrophobic particles to the liquid layer of polymer such that at least a portion of the plurality of particles are partially embedded into the liquid layer of polymer, wherein the plurality of hydrophobic particles comprises aggregate fibers, and wherein the plurality of hydrophobic particles comprising aggregate fibers that form hierarchical microstructured and nanostructured features when stretched linearly by about 200% or more;
- and
- drying the liquid layer of polymer.
A coating composition, comprising a plurality of hydrophobic particles and a polymer, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of the hydrophobic particles are partially embedded in the polymer, wherein the composition forms a stretchable and hydrophobic coating, and wherein the plurality of hydrophobic particles comprises aggregate fibers and agglomerates.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.