Characterization of superhydrophobic epoxy coatings embedded by modified calcium carbonate nanoparticles

Superhydrophobic surfaces attracted great attention to protect different substrates from water, dust and corrosive environment. In this work, new calcium carbonate nanomaterials modified with epoxidized fatty acid is used to alter the hydrophilic characteristics of epoxy resins. The best conditions to coat the glass and steel surface with hydrophobic calcium carbonate were investigated to obtain superhydrophobic surfaces. The surface morphologies, thermal stability, crystal structure, particle sizes and shapes were also reported and discussed. Results showed that the epoxy coatings embedded by optimum CaCO3 content was 5 wt% to produce superhydrophobic epoxy with high water contact and low slide angles.