Superhydrophobic surfaces by replication of micro/nano-structures fabricated by ultrafast-laser-microtexturing

We report a simple and inexpensive method of producing superhydrophobic surfaces by directly replicating micro/nano-structures on to poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) from a replication master prepared by ultrafast-laser microtexturing process. No additional coatings on PDMS have been required to achieve contact angles greater than 154°. The contact angle can be controlled by changing the height of the microtextures in PDMS. Very low optical reflection properties of micro/nano textured surfaces combined with superhydrophobic characteristics make it an attractive encapsulating material for photovoltaics and other applications. Additionally, this replication method can be applied for large scale production of micro/nano textured superhydrophobic surfaces for commercial applications.

► We demonstrate a simple method of producing superhydrophobic surfaces. ► No additional coatings required to achieve CA greater than 154°. ► CA can be controlled by changing the height of the microtextures in PDMS. ► A minimum texture height of about 4.2 μm is needed to enter into Cassie regime. ► Replication process is applicable to other polymeric and plastic materials.