Fabrication of biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces by a simple flame treatment method

Abstract

A simple flame treatment method was explored to construct micro/nanostructures on a surface and then fabricate a biomimetic superhydrophobic surface at a relatively low cost. SiO 2 -containing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used as a substrate. The PDMS replicas with various micropatterned surfaces were fabricated using grass leaf, sand paper, and PET sheet with parallel groove geometry as templates via PDMS replica molding. The PDMS replica surfaces with micron structures and the surface of a flat PDMS sheet as a control sample were further treated by flame. The fabricated surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and water contact angle measurements. The effect of surface microstructures on the transparency of PDMS was also investigated. The studies indicate that the fine nanoscale structures can be produced on the surfaces of PDMS replicas and a flat PDMS sheet by a flame treatment method, and that the hierarchical surface roughness can be adjusted and controlled by varying the flame treatment time. The flame-treated surfaces of PDMS replicas and a flat PDMS sheet possess superhydrophobicity and an ultra-low sliding angle reaching a limiting value of 1°, and the anisotropic wettability of the PDMS replica surface with oriented microgroove structures can be greatly suppressed via flame treatment. The visible light transmittance of the flame-treated flat PDMS surface decreases with prolonged flame treatment times.

Research progress of biomimetic superhydrophobic surface characteristics, fabrication, and application

“…Based on the difference in the thermal properties of organic and inorganic materials, the micro/nanostructure and morphology of biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces were fabricated. Li et al 27 used an organic-inorganic composite consisting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and SiO 2 particles with strong hydrophobicity as the base; in this composite, these two components showed different thermal responses in the flame treatment process and then constructed the expected micro/nano superhydrophobic structure. The roughness of superhydrophobic surface could be controlled by changing the flame treatment time, to achieve ultra-low sliding angle reaching a limiting value of 1°and greatly suppress the anisotropic wettability, as shown in Figure 13.…”

“…The flame-treated PET-R surface. 27 Figure 14. SEM images of (a) EE coated on CRS and (b) SEE coated on CRS.…”

Investigation on surface properties of superhydrophobic nanocomposites based on polyvinyl chloride and correlation with cell adhesion behavior

“…Up to now, a diverse range of methods has been suggested to produce such surfaces, namely, phase separation, surface embedding, and others. Superhydrophobic materials have found promising potentials in various fields especially biomedical applications …”

“…Superhydrophobic materials have found promising potentials in various fields especially biomedical applications. 9,10 Due to its low cost, ease of processing and inertness in physiological environments, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is being vastly utilized in a number of medical applications including blood and tissue-contacting devices such as bags, catheters, and tubing. 11 However, the main limiting factor in usage of PVC within the medical engineering field is its unfavorable surface properties.…”

Bioinspired preparation of regular dual‐level micropillars on polypropylene surfaces with robust hydrophobicity inspired by green bristlegrass leaves

“…For example, micro/nanostructures are replicated to polydimethylsiloxane surface by a sol‐gel process with cicada wing, dragonfly wing, lotus leaf, and rose petal as biotemplates . Although the structures on the bionic prototype surfaces are well inherited by the replicas, the natural biotemplates cannot be reused in view of their durability, strength, and toughness . In order to avoid damaging the fine structures on the biotemplates, the preparation processes are often carried out under relatively mild reaction conditions which take a long reaction time and need precise control .…”