Superhydrophobic surface structures in thermoplastic polymers by interference lithography and thermal imprinting

Author(s): Christian W.J. Berendsen, Marek Škereň, David Najdek and František Cerný

Abstract:

“We present a method to produce superhydrophobic surfaces in thermoplastic polymer substrates. The method involves the creation of a nickel stamp using a customized laser interference lithography technique and electroplating processes. This stamp is used to emboss sub-micrometer periodic structures into the thermoplastic. The modified surface is coated with a hydrophobic plasma-polymerized hexafluoropropene layer. Surfaces with different periodicity and relief depth were created. On the surface with the highest aspect ratio, advancing water contact angles of 167° were measured with a water contact angle hysteresis of below 5°.”

Link to Publications Page

Publication: Applied Surface Science
Issue/Year: Applied Surface Science, Volume 255, Issue 23, 15 September 2009, Pages 9305-9310
DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2009.07.001