A simple method to generate hierarchical nanoscale structures on microwrinkles for hydrophobic applications

•Simple way to make hierarchical structure having nanoscale structures on microwinkles.•Fabrication method of microwrinkles using a repetitive dividing volume (RDV) technique.•Parameter study to generate fine microwrinkles in the RDV process.•Generation of nanoscale protrusions having tens to hundreds nanometers in size.•The hierarchical structures have superhydrophobic characteristics.

We propose an effective method of fabricating hierarchical nanoscale structures on microwrinkles for use in diverse applications. To do this, we introduce a wrinkling process to engender fine wrinkles using a method of repetitive dividing volume of ultraviolet curable resin. A plasma treatment technique then generates nanoscale protrusions on the microwrinkles. With this simple two-step process, we create interesting hierarchical micro- and nanoscale structures that exist in natural objects, such as the surface structure of a lotus leaf. We investigate changes in the contact angles on a flat, hierarchical structure. The proposed method presents a simple means of creating micro- and nanoscale hierarchical structures for hydrophobic and biomimetic applications.