Direct replication of micro-nanostructures in the fabrication of superhydrophobic silicone rubber surfaces by compression molding

Abstract

We describe a simple method for fabricating superhydrophobic high temperature vulcanized (HTV) silicone rubber surfaces by direct replication using a compression molding system. The resulting rubber samples possessed micro-nanostructures on the surface. This micro-and nanoscale roughness produced a water contact angle of >160º and a contact angle hysteresis of <3º. The roughness patterns on chemically etched aluminum surfaces, which served as templates, were successfully replicated on the rubber surfaces. An antistiction coating applied to the template surface ensured that the rubber was completely removed during demolding and that the replicated micro-nanostructures on the silicone surface were preserved. Surface roughness of the aluminum templates was optimized at HCl concentrations of 15 wt.%, with a lower roughness value observed at acid concentrations above and below this value. The developed HTV silicone rubber surfaces also demonstrated a freezing delay and a self-cleaning capacity.

Preparation and characterization of CNT films/silicone rubber composite with improved microwave absorption performance

“…The micromorphologies of four samples are detected with SEM characterization ( figure 6). The luminous spotted CNT powders embed into the SR matrix with slight agglomeration in the CNT powders/SR composites (figures 6(b)-(c)), being similar to other reports [41,42]. Meantime, it exhibits the spider-web-like CNT films entangled with the SR matrix in 0.5 CNT films/SR due to the macrostructures of CNT films ( figure 6(d)).…”

“…To better presentation, a strip of pure SR is maintained to distinguish the interface of CNT/SR-4 composite and pure SR as marked at the selected white area. Generally, pure SR is considered as a kind of insulation polymer matrix with a large electrical resistivity of 10 14 -10 16 Ω cm [41,45,46]. To reduce the electrical resistivities of CNT/SR composites are limited under a lowlevel of CNT powders adding (see Table S2).…”

A Review on Fabrication Methods and Research Progress of Superhydrophobic Silicone Rubber Materials

“…(see Figure c). [ 85 ] First, chemical etching is used to create the micro–nanostructure on the surface of the aluminum plate (see Figure 6a), and then the aluminum plate is used as the template. The micro–nanostructure on the surface of the aluminum plate is directly replicated by compression molding technology.…”

Analysis of Reactive Injection Compression Molding by Numerical Simulations and Experiments

“…Rubber compression molding (RCM) [5,6] is a process where preheated rubber is placed in a heated mold cavity (single or multicavity). Once closed off or reassembled, pressure is applied to the mold forcing the rubber material into contact with all internal surface areas.…”