Nanostructures for superhydrophobicity and low adhesion

Abstract

Nanoroughness is beneficial for superhydrophobicity and low adhesion. Self assembly of hydrophobic alkanes has been used to modify flat and microstructured surfaces. Various nanostructures, produced by three-dimensional alkane crystals, have been fabricated by changing the crystal density. Microstructures were fabricated by replication of a micropatterned master surface and alkanes have been applied as thin hydrophobic three-dimensional crystals to create a hierarchical structure. The fabrication technique provides flexibility in fabrication of a variety of nano- and hierarchical structures. Fabricated structures and surface chemistry mimic superhydrophobic plant surfaces. The influence of nanostructures with different crystal densities on the superhydrophobicity is demonstrated by investigation of contact angle, contact angle hysteresis, droplet evaporation and propensity of air pocket formation as well as adhesive forces.