Robust and Stable Transparent Superhydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxane Films by Duplicating via a Femtosecond Laser-Ablated Template

Abstract

Realizing superhydrophobicity, high transparency on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface enlarges its application fields. We applied a femtosecond laser to fabricate well-designed structures combining microgrooves with microholes array on mirror finished stainless steel to form a template. Then liquid PDMS was charged for the duplicating process to introduce a particular structure composed of a microwalls array with a certain distance between each other and a microprotrusion positioned at the center of a plate surrounded by microwalls. The parameters such as the side length of microwalls and the height of a microcone were optimized to achieve required superhydrophobicity at the same time as high-transparency properties. The PDMS surfaces show superhydrophobicity with a static contact angle of up to 154.5 ± 1.7° and sliding angle lower to 6 ± 0.5°, also with a transparency over 91%, a loss less than 1% compared with plat PDMS by the measured light wavelength in the visible light scale. The friction robust over 100 cycles by sandpaper, strong light stability by 8 times density treatment, and thermal stability up to 325 °C of superhydrophobic PDMS surface was investigated. We report here a convenient and efficient duplicating method, being capable to form a transparent PDMS surface with superhydrophobicity in mass production, which shows extensive application potentials.

On the Durability and Wear Resistance of Transparent Superhydrophobic Coatings

“…Gong et al [38] recently reported a convenient and efficient duplicating method, being capable to form a transparent PDMS surface with superhydrophobicity in mass production. They claimed that the fabrication process had extensive application potentials.…”

“…The superhydrophobic PDMS surfaces were also tested for thermal stability up to 325 • C. . The SCA of this optimal surface is 154.5° ± 1.7° and SA 6° ± 0.5°; (d) Sample of optimally designed PDMS coated on the paper; and (e) it was held up to keep a certain distance (10 cm) from the paper; (f) Transparency of the optimal designed surface is over 91% in the visible light wavelength [38].…”

Chemical and Physical Pathways for Fabricating Flexible Superamphiphobic Surfaces with High Transparency

“…Recently, Gong et al [102] demonstrated an efficient method to produce a flexible superhydrophobic PDMS surface with high transparency. Using femtosecond laser processing, they fabricated a stainless steel template, which was comprised of an array of microgrooves with microholes, as shown in Figure 9a.…”

Stainless steel coated by Cu NPs via dopamine coupling for antifouling application

“…Synthesis of stable metallic Cu NPs is a challenge as they are easy to be oxidized rapidly in air or aqueous media. Dopamine is an important catecholamine neurotransmitter and plays an important role in central nervous systems . Because of catechol and amine functional groups, dopamine can mimic the strong adhesive foot protein Mytilus edulis foot protein 5 (Mefp‐5) .…”