Omniphobic nanocomposite fiber mats with peel-away self similarity

Composite fiber mats of a fluorinated acrylic copolymer and hydrophobic fumed silicon dioxide nanoparticles were produced through electrospinning process from a single solution. Morphological and chemical analysis of the fibers revealed that the nanoparticles were well-dispersed throughout the polymer matrix. Nanofiber mats showed much higher hydrophobicity and oleophobicity than sprayed surfaces of the same material, with contact angles above 150° for water as well as lower surface tension organic liquids and oils. Moreover, layers of fibers were observed to peel away with rolling droplets while preserving the morphology of the underlying layers. Based on the dynamics of rolling droplets on the nanofiber mats as they were being encapsulated, a simple model to estimate the force needed to peel away fibers was created. This “peel-away” surface can offer a new approach to the preservation of omni-phobicity upon wear damage.