title: Mechanically durable superoleophobic aluminum surfaces with microstep and nanoreticula hierarchical structure for self-cleaning and anti-smudge properties.
abstract: Superoleophobic aluminum surfaces are of interest for self-cleaning, anti-smudge (fingerprint resistance), anti-fouling, and corrosion resistance applications. In the published literature on superoleophobic aluminum surfaces, mechanical durability, self-cleaning, and anti-smudge properties data are lacking. Microstep structure has often been used to prepare superhydrophobic aluminum surfaces which produce the microstructure. The nanoreticula structure has also been used, and is reported to be able to trap air-pockets, which are desirable for a high contact angle. In this work, the microstep and nanoreticula structures were produced on aluminum surfaces to form a hierarchical micro/nanostructure by a simple two-step chemical etching process. The hierarchical structure, when modified with fluorosilane, made the surface superoleophobic. The effect of nanostructure, microstructure, and hierarchical structure on wettability and durability were studied and compared. The superoleophobic aluminum surfaces were found to be wear resistant, self-cleaning, and have anti-smudge and corrosion resistance properties.
authors.affiliation: College of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; Nanoprobe Laboratory for Bio- & Nanotechnology and Biomimetics (NLBB), The Ohio State University, 201 W. 19th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1142, USA.
authors.forename: Shan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.affiliation: Nanoprobe Laboratory for Bio- & Nanotechnology and Biomimetics (NLBB), The Ohio State University, 201 W. 19th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1142, USA. Electronic address: Bhushan.2@osu.edu.
authors.forename: Bharat
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bhushan
mesh_terms: D000535:Aluminum / Q000737:chemistry*; D057219:Biofouling / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003343:Corrosion; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D015394:Molecular Structure; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties; D017155:Wettability
chemical_list: D000535:Aluminum
keywords: Aluminum; Anti-smudge; Hierarchical surface; Self-cleaning; Superoleophobicity; Wear-resistant