Printable and Versatile Superhydrophobic Paper via Scalable Nonsolvent Armor Strategy

Abstract

Despite great scientific and industrial interest in waterproof cellulosic paper, its real world application is hindered by complicated and costly fabrication processes, limitations in scale-up production, and use of organic solvents. Furthermore, simultaneously achieving nonwetting properties and printability on paper surfaces still remains a technical and chemical challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a nonsolvent strategy for scalable and fast fabrication of waterproofing paper through in situ surface engineering with polysilsesquioxane nanorods (PSNR). Excellent superhydrophobicity is attained on the functionalized paper surface with water contact angle above 160˚. Notably, the engineered paper features outstanding printability and writability, as well as greatly enhanced strength and integrity upon prolonged exposure to water (tensile strength ≈ 9.0 MPa). Additionally, the PSNR concurrently armors paper-based printed items and artwork with waterproofing, self-cleaning and antimicrobial functionalities without compromising their appearance, readability and mechanical properties. We also demonstrate that the engineered paper holds the additional advantages of easy processing, low cost and mechanochemical robustness, which makes it particularly promising for real world applications.