Artificial hairy surfaces with a nearly perfect hydrophobic response.
A nearly perfect hydrophobic interface by dint of mimicking hairs of arthropods was achieved for the first time. These Gamma-shape artificial hairs were made via a membrane casting technique on polypropylene substrates. This extreme hydrophobicity merely arises from microstructure modification, and no further chemical treatments are needed. The ultralow adhesion to water droplets was evaluated through video assessment, and it is believed to be attributed to the mechanical response of the artificial hairs. The principle of this fabrication technique is accessible and is expected to be compatible with large-area fabrication of superhydrophobic interfaces.
Hsu
Shu-Hau
SH
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-6400, USA.
Sigmund
Wolfgang M
WM
D000818:Animals; D001181:Arthropods; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D032701:Biomimetics; D006197:Hair; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011076:Polycarboxylate Cement / Q000737:chemistry; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000737:chemistry; D011312:Pressure; D013499:Surface Properties
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011076:Polycarboxylate Cement; D011126:Polypropylenes; C005506:polycarbonate