Controlling the wettability and adhesion of nanostructured poly-(p-xylylene) films

The hydrophobic surface properties of structured poly-(p-xylylene) (PPX) films, as measured by water wettability, are studied as functions of surface chemistry, film composition, and surface roughness. We demonstrate the fabrication of very hydrophobic surfaces and control over adhesion properties via nanoscale modulation of roughness, changes in composition, and alteration of the surface chemistry of PPX films. The formation of superhydrophobic surfaces through the chemisorption of fluoroalkylsiloxane coatings to hydroxyl sites created on the nanostructured PPX surface is also illustrated. The ability to control both hydrophobicity and adhesion using nanostructured PPX films is a promising development because it may lead to a new generation of coatings with applicability ranging from self-cleaning surfaces to robotics.