Facile synthesis of stable superhydrophobic nanocomposite based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes

•MWCNTs– Silicone Rubber nanocomposite was prepared through a facile method.•The water contact angle of about 159° was obtained for nanocomposite coating.•Prepared superhydrophobic coating showed remarkable stability under different stress conditions such as heating, immersion in concentrated hydrochloric acid, 5wt.% NaCl aquous solution or boiling water as well as exposure to UV light, ionic strength liquid or aqueous solutions with different pH values.•Surface free energy (SFE) of the superhydrophobic sample was measured from the contact angle data by use of three different theories. A facile approach to fabricate a stable superhydrophobic composite comprising multi-walled carbon nanotubes and silicone rubber has been reported. Contact angle of de-ionized water droplets on the prepared surface was measured with the value of near 159°; while water droplets easily rolled off and bounced on it. Surface free energy of the superhydrophobic coating was examined by three methods about 26mJ/m2. The prepared film shows good stability under high stress conditions such as ultraviolet exposure, heating, pencil hardness test, attacking with different pH value and ionic-strength solutions. In addition, remarkable stability of the coating was observed after soaking in condensed hydrochloric acid, 5wt.% NaCl aqueous solution, boiling water and tape test.