Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Zinc Stearate Hierarchical Surfaces from Different Precursors

Abstract

The fabrication of zinc stearate superhydrophobic hierarchical surfaces from two precursors by a simple wet chemical route and its wettability is reported. The zinc stearate coatings were prepared from a single pot using ethanolic solutions of zinc acetate/zinc nitrate and stearic acid. The coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle, and sliding angle measurements. The coatings obtained from zinc acetate precursor showed superhydrophobicity (WCA >150°) even at lower precursor concentrations. The morphology of the coatings varied with the nature as well as the concentration of the precursors.