The design of a metal–organic framework with flame-retardant performance and bionic hydrophobic surface inspired by the lotus leaf

This study proposes a simple and feasible method to prepare hydrophobic structure, and it has been a fortuitous finding. In our previous research, triethyl phosphate was adsorbed on a porous metal–organic framework and scanning electron microscopy images showed that plenty of mastoids had grown on its surface. This inspired us towards the special surface structure of the lotus leaf. Therefore, we improved the experimental scheme and coated the surface of MOF with polydimethylsiloxane. Compared with that of the original MOF, the water contact angle of the hydrophobic MOF (S-Fe-MOF) increased from 31.9° to 122.0°, displaying remarkable hydrophobicity. The cone calorimetry tests and thermogravimetric analyses also confirmed that the S-Fe-MOF significantly improved the flame-retardant property and thermal stability of polystyrene. This study gives inspiration for the design of hydrophobic structures and provides enlightenment for the preparation of multifunctional materials.