Durable superhydrophobicity in embossed CYTOP fluoropolymer micro and nanostructures

• Abrasion resistant fluoropolymer surfaces.
• Alumina slurry abrasion testing.
• Single and dual scale CYTOP micro/nanostructures.
• Cassie state retained after 4 h of abrasion.

Micropillars, nanopillars and dual scale micro-nanopillars were fabricated out of an inherently hydrophobic amorphous CYTOP fluoropolymer by hot embossing. The resulting pillars were superhydrophobic with high apparent contact angles (θ > 160̊) and low rolling angles. Abrasion experiments were performed using a novel rotary abrasive slurry setup. Due to their inherent hydrophobicity, CYTOP micro and nanopillars retained their superhydrophobic properties even after 4 h of abrasion (900 rpm in 10% slurry of 30 μm alumina particles), unlike control samples prepared out of fluoropolymer coated silicon.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide