A Robust Superhydrophobic Smart Coating with Reversible Thermochromic and Photochromic Property

Abstract Both thermochromic and photochromic coating have attracted many attentions due to their widely applications, but the low stability is a big obstacle. Inspired by the lotus leaf, to endow the chromic coating with superhydrophobicity is a possible solution. In this research, a dual response coating was prepared by adding photochromic and thermochromic particles simultaneously. The prepared sample demonstrated at least four-state color switching, which can be successfully used in tactile imaging, multi-color fabric, erasable record, and security labels. The superhydrophobicity was achieved by introducing vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, which not only offers low surface energy but also can cross-link with the particles to increase the adhesion. Thus, the prepared sample maintained superhydrophobicity after various kinds of destruction (such as sandpaper abrasion, corrosive liquid attack, ultrasonic treatment, UV irradiation, and high-speed drops/turbulent jets impact). Even though the superhydrophobicity can be destroyed by plasma etching, it can be recovered after 12 h at room temperature.