How To Obtain Six Different Superwettabilities on a Same Microstructured Pattern: Relationship between Various...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Superwettability, encompassing superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity, is crucial for advanced material applications.
• Controlling surface wettability in different environments (air vs. water) remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the formation mechanisms of various superwetting states on femtosecond laser-structured aluminum (Al) surfaces.
• To explore the relationship between water, oil, and bubble wettability in air and underwater conditions.
• To demonstrate tunable superwettability through microstructuring and surface modification.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of hierarchical microstructures on Al surfaces using femtosecond laser ablation.
• Characterization of surface wettability in air and underwater environments.
• Surface modification using low-surface-energy monolayers.

Main Results:

• Femtosecond laser structuring induced tunable superwettability on Al surfaces.
• Laser-induced microstructures exhibited superhydrophilicity in air and superoleophobicity/superaerophobicity underwater.
• Surface modification resulted in superhydrophobicity in air and superoleophilicity/superaerophilicity underwater.
• A strong correlation was found between underwater oil/bubble wettability and water wettability.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the formation mechanisms of six distinct superwetting states on laser-structured Al.
• Understanding these wettability relationships is vital for designing and transforming artificial superwetting materials.
• This research provides a foundation for developing novel surfaces with tailored wettability for diverse applications.