Superhydrophobic Surface by Laser Ablation of PDMS

Superhydrophobic surfaces have important applications in generating anti-icing properties, preventing corrosion, producing anti-biofouling characteristics, and microfluidic devices. One of the most commonly used materials to make superhydrophobic surfaces is poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). Various techniques, including spin-coating, dip-coating, spray coating, surface etching, and laser-textured mold methods, have been used to make superhydrophobic surfaces. However, all these methods require several steps, the usage of multiple chemicals, and/or surface modifications. In this paper, a one-step, low-cost method to induce superhydrophobicity is described. This was done by the pulsed laser deposition of laser-ablated PDMS micro/nanoparticles, and the method applies to a variety of surfaces. This technique has been demonstrated on three important classes of material─glass, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and aluminum. Water contact angles of greater than 150° and roll-off angles of less than 3° were obtained. Optical transmission value of as high as 90% was obtained on glass or PMMA coated with laser-ablated PDMS micro/nanoparticles. Furthermore, this method can also be used to make micron-scale patterned superhydrophobic PDMS surfaces. This would have potential applications in microfluidic microchannels and other optical devices.