Electrospinning Device for Nanofibers| Large-scale fabrication of flexible antiglarefilm with superhydrophobic surface: Towardhigh transmittance and high haze

Jilin University Professor Jia-Zi Hou: Large-Scale Fabrication of Transparent, High-Haze, Superhydrophobic Flexible Anti-Glare Films

With the rapid development of urban modernization, intense direct or indirect glare from high-intensity light sources has caused serious light pollution. Optical anti-glare films with high transmittance and high haze can mitigate glare's adverse effects on eyes while providing healthy visual experiences. However, increasing haze typically accompanies severe transmittance loss, posing significant challenges for simultaneously achieving both high transmittance and high haze.

Recently, Jiazi Hou from Jilin University published their latest research titled "Large-scale fabrication of flexible antiglare film with superhydrophobic surface: Toward high transmittance and high haze" in the journal Chemical Engineering Journal. The researchers deposited PVB fibers into uncured PDMS resin via electrospinning, achieving uniform and loose fiber distribution after curing. Subsequent air-spraying of fluorinated SiO₂ produced the P-PVB/F17@SiO₂ flexible anti-glare film with high transmittance, high haze and superhydrophobicity. Moreover, by optimizing the refractive index matching between fibers and matrix resin, and employing a triple light-regulation strategy based on Mie scattering, Rayleigh scattering and light refraction, the film successfully achieved both high haze and high transmittance. The P-PVB/F17@SiO₂ flexible anti-glare film shows potential applications in smart windows, intelligent transportation and flexible electronics.

Figure 1: Fabrication process and potential applications of P-PVB/F17@SiO₂ anti-glare film

Figure 2: Microstructure and mechanical properties of P-PVB/F17@SiO₂ anti-glare film

SEM images reveal that the continuous and uniform PVB fibers have diameters comparable to visible light wavelengths, which can induce Mie scattering. During gas spraying, the microchannels formed by dissolving surface PVB fibers and the nano-fluorinated SiO₂ particle layer can generate refraction at concave surfaces in different directions and Rayleigh scattering at nanoparticles, effectively increasing the film's haze. Additionally, the P-PVB/F17@SiO₂ film exhibits excellent mechanical properties and scalability for large-scale production.

Figure 3: Composition of P-PVB/F17@SiO₂ anti-glare film

Figure 4: Transmittance and haze of films with different fiber types, PVB concentrations and spinning times

Figure 5: Anti-glare performance of P-PVB/F17@SiO₂ film

The P-PVB/F17@SiO₂ film demonstrates 90.73% transmittance and 94.50% haze, endowing it with outstanding direct and indirect anti-glare capabilities that effectively reduce the harm of intense light to human eyes and its impact on information recognition. This is crucial for obtaining clear vision and alleviating visual fatigue. 

Figure 6: Superhydrophobicity and durability of P-PVB/F17@SiO₂ film

With a water contact angle of 170.4° and sliding angle of 1.12°, the film's superhydrophobicity further expands its application potential. Furthermore, the PVB/F17@SiO₂ film shows excellent stability and durability.

Paper link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.161805