Preparation of superhydrophobic coating with excellent abrasion resistance and durability using nanofibrillated celluloseElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Videos about the samples in water droplets dripping test, self-cleaning test, sandpaper abrasion test, knife-scratch and finger-wipe test. See DOI: 10.1039/c6ra23447j

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) is a renewable and environmentally friendly material. Its large ratio of length to diameter and its pliability are very helpful for forming a three-dimensional network structure that could contribute to suitable roughness for superhydrophobic coatings. At present, superhydrophobic coatings have limited applications, mainly due to their poor abrasion resistance and durability. Therefore, in this study, a semi-translucent NFC superhydrophobic coating was prepared by spraying NFC ethanol suspension onto a wood surface that had been previously covered with a commercial spray paint as adhesive, followed by modification via phase chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to reduce surface free energy. The results showed that in addition to good superhydrophobic and self-cleaning properties, the coating also possessed excellent abrasion resistance and durability and was able to resist sandpaper abrasion, knife-scratch, finger-wipe, long-time impregnation in water, UV radiation, and low temperatures, demonstrating good potential for development and application. Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) is a renewable and environmentally friendly material.