Rapid UV-curable constructing rosin-based superhydrophobic composite coatings with self-healing properties for anticorrosion and anti-icing

Superhydrophobic coatings are extensively used in applications such as anti-icing and anticorrosion owing to their multifunctionality . However, their limited abrasion resistance restricts their wider use. Herein, a rosin-based self-healing superhydrophobic composite coating was developed through a straightforward spraying and ultraviolet photopolymerization method. By incorporating rosin diols to replace a portion of petroleum-based diols, the rigid tricyclic phenanthrene structure enhances the material's mechanical properties (tensile strength of 28.9 ± 0.6 MPa, toughness of 40.4 ± 0.9 MJ m −3 ) and self-healing capabilities (scratches fully heal within 2 h at 80 °C). The combination of micro- and nanoscale hierarchical structures with low surface energy materials endowed the coating with exceptional superhydrophobicity, resulting in a water contact angle of 163.4 ± 1.4°. Notably, modified silica (M-SiO 2 ) was incorporated into the polyurethane matrix via photocrosslinking, considerably enhancing the coating's mechanical and chemical stability, while preserving its superhydrophobicity even in extreme environments. Furthermore, these coatings are multifunctional, offering excellent self-cleaning, antifouling, anticorrosion, and anti-icing properties (with a freezing time of up to 728 s at −15 °C). Their compatibility with various substrates (such as glass, fabrics, paper, metal, and wood) and the simplicity of the preparation process make them highly promising for applications in self-cleaning surfaces, antifouling of marine equipment, anti-icing and other areas. • Rosin-based composite coatings with superhydrophobicity and self-healing properties were fabricated. • The coating is simple to prepare and easy to incorporate with various substrates. • The synergistic effect of the outer and inner layers impart the coating excellent anticorrosion properties. • The coating exhibits excellent self-cleaning, antifouling, and anti-icing properties.