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Coating-Free Superhydrophobic Hard Surfaces by Electric Discharge Machining with a Magnetic-Assisted Self-Assembly
Kangsen Li1,2, Chunjin Wang1, Feng Gong2
1State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hongkong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 15, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a cost-effective method to create superhydrophobic surfaces on hard materials like tungsten carbide and glass. This technique uses electrical discharge machining and magnetic-assisted self-assembly for potential industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Superhydrophobic surfaces offer benefits in self-cleaning, droplet manipulation, microfluidics, and thermal management.
- There is a growing need for affordable, scalable, and easily produced superhydrophobic surfaces for industrial use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient and simple method for creating hierarchical superhydrophobic structures on hard substrates.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating these surfaces on binderless tungsten carbide (WC) and glass.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electrical discharge machining (EDM) with a magnetic-assisted self-assembly sheet electrode on WC substrates.
- Created hierarchical structures with micropillars, microgrooves, and craters.
- Replicated the superhydrophobic surface on glass using glass molding technology.
Main Results:
- Achieved superhydrophobic properties on textured binderless WC surfaces.
- Measured a maximum contact angle of approximately 158° and a minimum roll-off angle of 5°.
- Demonstrated advancing and receding angles of 161° ± 2° and 157° ± 3°, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Successfully created superhydrophobic surfaces on WC and glass substrates using an efficient fabrication technique.
- The method is cost-effective, straightforward, and suitable for mass production.
- This approach has broad potential for industrial applications on various hard materials.
