Video1.MP4

Abstract

Ultrafast laser structuring has proven to alter the wettability performance of surfaces drastically due to controlled modification of the surface roughness and energy. Surface alteration can be achieved also by coating the surfaces with functional materials with enhanced durability. On this line, robust and tunable surface wettability performance can be achieved by synergic effects of ultrafast laser structuring and coating. In this work, a femtosecond laser structured stainless steel (SS-100) meshes were used as host the grow of NaAlSi2O6-H2O zeolite films. Contact angle measurements were carried on pristine SS-100 meshes, zeolite coated SS-100 meshes, laser structured SS-100 meshes, and zeolite coated-laser structured SS-100 meshes. Enhanced hydrophilic behavior was observed in the zeolite coated SS-100 meshes (contact angle 72°) and in laser structured SS-100 meshes (contact angle 41°). On the other hand, superior durable hydrophilic behavior was observed for the zeolite coated-laser structured SS-100 meshes (Contact angle 14°) over extended period and reusability. In addition, the zeolite coated-laser structured SS-100 meshes was subjected to an oil-water separation tests and revealed augmented effectuation for oil-water separation.