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Wetting of Superhydrophobic Polylactic Acid Micropillared Patterns
Eda Hazal Tümer1, H Yildirim Erbil1, Numan Akdoǧan2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli 41400, Türkiye.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|August 5, 2022
Summary
Researchers created superhydrophobic polylactic acid (PLA) micropatterns for enhanced water repellency. Fluorinated silane coatings achieved the highest contact angles, demonstrating stability for over six months.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Superhydrophobic (SH) polylactic acid (PLA) surfaces have been developed since 2008 for biomedical uses and oil/water separation.
- The wettability of SH-PLA patterns with micropillars remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the wettability of PLA micropatterns.
- To create superhydrophobic PLA surfaces using silane coatings.
- To assess the stability of these superhydrophobic surfaces.
Main Methods:
- PLA micropatterns were fabricated using hot pressing onto polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds.
- Water contact angle measurements (apparent, advancing, receding) were performed.
- Hydrophobization was achieved via chemical vapor deposition of three silanes, including fluorinated compounds.
Main Results:
- Unmodified PLA patterns exhibited a maximum contact angle of 139°.
- Silane-treated PLA micropatterns achieved superhydrophobicity with contact angles up to 167°.
- Fluorinated silane coatings yielded the highest contact angles.
- Stability tests confirmed coating resistance for up to 6 months.
Conclusions:
- PLA micropatterns can be effectively rendered superhydrophobic.
- Fluorinated silanes are optimal for achieving high contact angles on PLA.
- The developed SH-PLA surfaces demonstrate good durability for practical applications.
