Construction of superhydrophobic surfaces for antifouling and drag reduction applications

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surfaces (water contact angle $\theta\gt 150^{\circ}$) with a low contact angle hysteresis have attracted much attention as a new route for antifouling and drag reduction applications. The last decade has witnessed the significant development in the design of superhydrophobic surfaces in Cassie-Baxter state inspired by the lotus leaf in nature. In this study, a simple fabrication method was developed to prepare a superhydrophobic surfaces in CassieBaxter state. The approach involved the formation of a rough structure and fluorination treatment on substrate. The asprepared surface became superhydrophobic based on the combination of rough structures and low-energy compositions. The air layer captured within the rough structures effectively prevent microorganisms' adhesion. Meanwhile, the results indicate that the superhydrophobic surfaces show drag reduction for the air/liquid contact. The work provides a simple and highly efficient method to fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces for potential antifouling and drag reduction applications.