Superhydrophobic and Lipophobic Properties of Self-Organized Honeycomb and Pincushion Structures

Abstract

This report describes the simple preparation of superhydrophobic and lipophobic surfaces by self-organization. Microporous polymer films of a fluorinated polymer with hexagonally arranged pores were prepared by casting from solution under humid conditions. Hexagonally packed water microdroplets were formed by evaporative cooling on the surface of the casting solution. After solvent evaporation, a honeycomb-patterned polymer film was formed with the water droplet array acting as a template; the water droplets themselves evaporated soon after the solvent. Two porous polymer layers were stacked vertically, separated by pillars at the hexagon vertexes. After peeling off the top layer using adhesive tape, a pincushion-like structure was obtained. Here, we show that superhydrophobic behavior was achieved, with the maximum contact angle, 170 degrees, observed using these pincushion structures. Theoretical calculations fit the experimental results well. The lipophobic properties of the films are also discussed.

Formation of honeycomb‐structured, porous films via breath figures with different polymer architectures

“…Consequently, honeycomb-structured, porous films act as highly hydrophobic films and show a strong lotus effect. 33 However, water can penetrate the pores, depending on the pore size and polymer used, and this consequently lowers the observed contact angle. The experimental values of the contact angle are subject to water or air in the pores.…”

Droplet condensation on polymer surfaces: A review

“…These films can be used for dust-free, low friction coatings. 214 Yabu and coworkers also used a photo-crosslinkable oligomer and an amphiphilic copolymer to obtain cross-linked honeycomb patterned micro-porous films by UV irradiation. They stated that these films can be used for membrane filters and microreactors.…”

Dimple Morphology Formation on Non-woven Fabric by Fluorinated Polymers for Tunable Surface Wettability

“…In contrast, chemical processes are rather quick. For example, water-assisted honeycomb pattern formation was reported by Shimomura and co-workers [6][7][8][9][10]. Water droplets were spontaneously assembled on the polymer solution, and honeycomb structure was formed on the substrate under high humidity conditions.…”