title: Artificial leaves via reproduction of hierarchical structures by a fast molding and curing process.
abstract: In this work, we have developed a practical approach for the replication of hierarchical structures on a native leaf surface via a fast two-step molding process combining both the fast curability to prevent shrinkage of cells and the strong resistance to chemical compounds for further applications. The negative replica of the leaf was produced from perfluoropolyether (PFPE) by precise molding followed by a fast curing with UV. A liquid ceramic precursor material (polyvinylsilazane, PVSZ) was used to fabricate the positive leaf structure through the same process as applied for the negative imprint of the surface yielding a highly detailed replica of the native leaf surface structure. Static water contact angle measurements show that the biomimetic surfaces exhibit a wettability similar to the native leaves.
authors.affiliation: DWI an der RWTH Aachen e. V., Lehrstuhl für Makromolekulare Materialien und Oberflächen, RWTH Aachen University,-52056 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Sungjune
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: van Rijn
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Böker
mesh_terms: D004987:Ethers / Q000737:chemistry*; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000737:chemistry*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D004987:Ethers; D005466:Fluorocarbons; C078113:perfluoropolyether; D014867:Water