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A Nanosegregant Approach to Superwettable and Water‐Attracting Surfaces
Author(s) -
Xie Xian Ning,
Lim Sharon Xiaodai,
Wang Yuzhan,
Gao Xingyu,
Lee Kian Keat,
Sow Chorng Haur,
Chen Xiaohong,
Loh Kian Ping,
Wee Andrew Thye Shen
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
macromolecular chemistry and physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.57
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1521-3935
pISSN - 1022-1352
DOI - 10.1002/macp.201000288
Subject(s) - superhydrophilicity , aqueous solution , dissolution , drop (telecommunication) , contact angle , chemical engineering , aqueous two phase system , substrate (aquarium) , materials science , polymer , phase (matter) , nanotechnology , chemistry , composite material , computer science , organic chemistry , geology , telecommunications , oceanography , engineering
A simple and economical approach to the preparation of superhydrophilic and water‐capturing surfaces is reported. In this method, a common polymer aqueous blend is drop‐cast onto a substrate, and the natural drying of the aqueous drop allows for the formation of phase‐segregated nanosegregants between the bulk film and substrate surface. The nanosegregant is then exposed by dissolving the bulk film using water. The nanosegregant is stable, water‐insoluble and optically transparent, and exhibits superhydrophilicity with a minimum contact angle below 10°. It also displays strong water‐attracting ability. The mechanism of superwettability and water‐capturing behavior is discussed in terms of the self‐organization and functional group of the nanosegregant.