Mimicking a Superhydrophobic Insect Wing by Argon and Oxygen Ion Beam Treatment on Polytetrafluoroethylene Film

Abstract

Biological tiny structures have been observed on many kinds of surfaces such as lotus leaves and insect wings, which enhance the hydrophobicity of the natural surfaces and play a role of self-cleaning. We presented the fabrication technology of a superhydrophobic surface using high energy ion beam. Artificial insect wings that mimic the morphology and the superhydrophobocity of cicada's wings were successfully fabricated using argon and oxygen ion beam treatment on a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film. The wing structures were supported by carbon/epoxy fibers as artificial flexible veins that were bonded through an autoclave process. The morphology of the fabricated surface bears a strong resemblance to the wing surface of a cicada, with contact angles greater than 160°, which could be sustained for more than two months.