Abstract
The modification of polymer surfaces to manipulate their wetting properties is of great technological importance. It is well known that surface chemistry and topography jointly determine the nature of wetting on a surface. In this study, we show a cheap and effective process universally applicable to fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces on various polymers. The process combines sanding and reactive ion etching treatment of the polymer surface to generate respective micro and nanoscale surface roughness, which is followed by subsequent coating of a fluorinated silane molecule to modify the surface chemistry. A 5min reactive ion etching treatment after sanding is sufficient to achieve nanoscale roughness required for superhydrophobic surfaces. The polymer surfaces so produced retain their superhydrophobicity for more than 90 days, demonstrating the stability of the micro and nanoscale surface roughness and the hydrophobic surface coating. Similar results are obtained with different polymers such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC) and cyclo-olefin copolymer (COC), indicating that the process can be applied for creating superhydrophobic surfaces on general polymer substrates.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
