Epoxy Coatings with Low Surface Energy from Powdered Compounds Modified with Finely Dispersed Polytetrafluoroethylene Particles

Abstract

Highly hydrophobic epoxy coatings with the surface energy as low as 14.5 mJ m^–2 and contact angles with water of 120°–150° were prepared from powdered compounds modified with less than 2 wt % finely dispersed polytetrafluoroethylene particles by dry mixing. As shown by scanning electron microscopy, EDX microanalysis, and atomic-force microscopy, the film formation at 180°С and formation of a polymer network matrix are accompanied by predominant migration of polytetrafluoroethylene particles to the air/coating interface, leading to gradient distribution of fluorine across the film and significant enrichment of the coating surface with fluorine. By varying the polytetrafluoroethylene content, it is possible to obtain hydrophobic coatings with satisfactory physicomechanical properties, smooth or rough surface, including micrometric and nanometric roughness, and different surface energy.