Robust interface-free superhydrophobic polymer-based composites with recoverable and anti-icing properties

Superhydrophobic property is highly demanded for fiber reinforced polymer composites (FRPC) to deal with the accumulation of ice and stains. However, the traditional superhydrophobic coating prepared by nanoparticles & adhesive strategy cannot avoid the unreliable interfaces. Herein, the flexible interface-free superhydrophobic films were fabricated by infusing the paper template with PTFE and subsequent sintering treatment. The adjustable self-growing hierarchal structure could be achieved by crystallization of PTFE tuned by cooling rate. By pressure-assisted integrated molding, the optimized textured film obtained at a cooling rate of 2 °C/min was employed to FRPC with reliable interfacial bonding. The prepared superhydrophobic FRPC (SH-FRPC) could withstand at least 800 cycles' tape peeling, 200 cycles' sandpaper friction and 24.8 m/s water impact (We = 16908) with unchanged superhydrophobicity. Besides, the worn surface by extreme effect recovered its superhydrophobicity by specific sandpaper friction in <10 s or reheat treatment at 380 °C. What's more, the prepared SH-FRPC shown excellent self-cleaning and anti-icing capacities compared with the original FRPC. With outstanding operational feasibility and retention of mechanical properties, the multi-functional FRPC is attractive for applications in rainy or dusty environments.