Superhydrophobic bulk ternary and quaternary silicone rubber nanocomposites: An Insight into material selection and performance evaluation

We developed free-standing superhydrophobic bulk materials without the need for additional surface treatments, demonstrating their potential for commercial applications. The non-wetting properties of the nanocomposites were influenced by various factors, particularly the type, size, and concentration of the embedded particles. A synergic combination of surface roughness and the low surface energy of silicone rubber imparted superhydrophobicy throughout the entire material. To verify consistent bulk water repellency across the bulk, regardless of the incorporated particles, the water contact angle (CA) and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) were measured on both the surface and cross-section of the nanocomposites. To assess suitability for electrical insulation application, thermal properties were evaluated using TGA, while electrical performance was characterized through measurement of dielectric permittivity (Ɛˊ), dielectric loss (tan δ), and dry flashover voltage. Icephobicity was examined by measuring both the delay time for the onset of water droplet freezing on the surface and the force required to dislodge a column of ice from the surface. Mechanochemical durability of the produced materials were studied by various means to ensure the long-term performance of the nanocomposites. Finally, to support efficient material selection, radar diagrams were employed to compare the performance of each developed nanocomposite across all evaluation criteria.