Direct laser etching of hierarchical nanospheres on silicon rubber surface with robust dynamic superhydrophobic stability

Abstract

AbstractSilicone rubbers with high dynamic superhydrophobic stability have an extensive application prospect. Applying direct laser etching technology, a fast and efficient method is proposed for the preparation of silicone rubber surfaces with hierarchical nanospheres and robust dynamic superhydrophobicity. A 4 μl water droplet on the laser modified silicone rubber surface exhibits a contact angle (CA) of 154 ± 3° and a roll‐off angle (RA) of 5 ± 1°, there is a 65.6% increase in CA compared with the pristine silicon rubber. Moreover, the modified surface can stabilize its superhydrophobic state under a dynamic pressure of 1960.2 Pa. Interestingly, no significant change in the contacting time for the droplets with different impacting speed is found, which means that the stabilized contact time and robust dynamic superhydrophobicity are induced on the modified silicone rubber surface. The self‐cleaning and anti‐icing properties on the modified surface can effectively reduce the damage caused by surface pollution, ice formation, and other natural factors when applied to power lines, sealing elements, and automotive.