Highly Transparent Superhydrophobic Coatings for Prevention of Raindrop Adhesion on Rearview Mirrors

The adhesion of raindrops on car rearview mirrors poses a significant threat to traffic safety due to the resulting blurred vision. Transparent superhydrophobic coatings have emerged as a potential solution to this problem. However, the development of transparent superhydrophobic coatings is often hampered by complex preparation procedures, high costs, and limited substrate compatibility, rendering them unsuitable for practical applications. Herein, we present a facile spraying method for fabricating a transparent superhydrophobic perfluorodecyl polysiloxane-modified silica (SiO₂@FD-POS) coating with a high transparency of approximately 91%, which is comparable to that of bare glass (∼93%). This coating can be applied onto various substrates, including paper, polycarbonate goggles, and PET fabric, without altering their inherent color. Furthermore, the SiO₂@FD-POS coating demonstrates robust mechanical, thermal, and UV durabilities, which are crucial for its application in outdoor conditions. When applied to a rearview mirror, this coating effectively prevents raindrops from adhering on the surface for over 60 min during moderate rainfall, maintaining a clear reflection throughout. Therefore, the SiO₂@FD-POS coating holds significant potential in enhancing drivers' visibility during rainy conditions, thus contributing to high driving safety.