Micro–nano hierarchically structured nylon 6,6 surfaces with unique wettability

A micro–nano hierarchically structured nylon 6,6 surface was easily fabricated by phase separation. Nylon 6,6 plate was swelled by formic acid and then immersed in a coagulate bath to precipitate. Micro particles with nano protrusions were generated and linked together covering over the surface. After dried up, the as-formed surface showed superhydrophilic ability. Inspired by lotus only employing 2-tier structure and ordinary plant wax to maintain superhydrophobicity, paraffin wax, a low surface energy material, was used to modify the hierarchically structured nylon 6,6 surface. The resultant surface had water contact angle (CA) of 155.2 ± 1.3° and a low sliding angle. The whole process was carried on under ambient condition and only need a few minutes.

Graphical abstractNylon 6,6 surface was covered with hierarchical particles after phase separation. The surface showed superhydrophilicity. After modification, a nearly conformal morphology was generated and the surface was superhydrophobicity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (126 K)Download as PowerPoint slide