Impact of processing parameters on the superhydrophobic and self-cleaning properties of CaO nanoparticles derived from oyster shell for electrical sheathing insulator applications

The impact of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic CaO nanoparticles (CaOnp) and the techniques used to deposit them on glass and silicone rubber (PDMS) substrates was investigated. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the impacts of all variables relevant to deposition methods and interactions between nanoparticles and substrates on the hydrophobicity and wettability of surface materials. In order to assess the properties, dipping, spraying, and drop-pipetting methods were used in the deposition of the samples. The microstructure, contact angle hysteresis (CAH), and static contact angle (SCA) measurements were utilised. The findings show that the hydrophobic CaO nanoparticles and the PDMS substrate that interacted synergistically produce more beneficial hierarchical topologies with reduced surface energy, PDMS surfaces were developed utilising the spray deposition approach in combination with hydrophobic CaO nanoparticles, and both horizontal and vertical drying procedures satisfy the two criteria for a self-cleaning surface and superhydrophobic.