Abstract:
Silica based nonfluorinated superhydrophobic coatings for natural rubber surfaces have been developed. The coating was
synthesized using nanosilica dispersion and a polychloroprene type binder as a compatibilizer.This nanocoating of silica was applied
on to the surface of finished natural rubber gloves, by spray coating or dipped coating methods.The nanocoating demonstrates a
water contact angle of more than 150∘ and sliding angle of 7∘.The morphological features of the coating have been studied using
scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy while Fourier transforminfrared spectroscopy was used to understand
the nature of surface functional groups. Both imaging techniques provided evidence for the presence of nanosized particles in the
coating. Coated gloves demonstrated comparable mechanical properties and significantly better alcohol resistivity when compared
to those of the uncoated gloves.
