Surface‐Coated Silicone‐Modified Waterborne Polyurethane With Implanted Superhydrophobic SiO₂ Nanoparticles Preparation and Study of TPU Self‐Cleaning Material

This study presents the synthesis of a waterborne polyurethane (WPU‐A) emulsion modified with (3‐(2‐aminoethyl)aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS). Self‐cleaning materials were developed by applying WPU‐A emulsions onto thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) components, which were shaped using selective laser sintering (SLS), through a post‐treatment impregnation and curing method. Additionally, superhydrophobic nano‐SiO 2 (sn‐SiO 2 ) was incorporated onto the surface of the TPU/WPU‐A material. The resulting TPU/WPU‐A/sn‐SiO 2 self‐cleaning composites were created, and the self‐cleaning capabilities along with other characteristics of the two TPU‐coated materials were examined individually. Findings indicated that the water contact angle for pure TPU measured 123.8°, while the TPU/WPU‐A0.5/sn‐SiO 2 ‐20, treated with WPU‐A emulsion, exhibited an increased angle of 153.3°, achieving superhydrophobicity. The incorporation of sn‐SiO 2 particles enhanced the surface roughness of the TPU/WPU‐A0.5/sn‐SiO 2 ‐20 material, facilitating the easy removal of surface contaminants. This enhancement contributes to improved anti‐pollution properties and effective self‐cleaning performance of the TPU material. The compressive strength of the TPU/WPU‐A0.5/sn‐SiO 2 ‐20 skeletonized parts reached 0.733 MPa, representing a 168% increase compared to the pure TPU skeleton. The TPU/WPU‐A0.5/sn‐SiO 2 ‐20 material, which is coated with WPU‐A and integrated with sn‐SiO 2 , demonstrates excellent self‐cleaning and mechanical properties, indicating its potential for various applications.