Triple Biomimetic Surfaces with Patterned Anisotropic Wettability for Multiscale Droplets Manipulation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Biomimetics

Background:

• Droplet manipulation is crucial for various applications but often requires complex preparation.
• Existing methods for controlling liquid behavior on surfaces face limitations in complexity and durability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, biomimetic surface for efficient and durable droplet manipulation.
• To investigate the use of laser and heating techniques for creating superwettable and interlaced wettability patterns.

Main Methods:

• Triple biomimetic surfaces were fabricated on titanium using laser processing and heating, mimicking natural structures like lotus leaves.
• Patterned scanning laser processing was employed to create interlaced wettability.
• Groove structures were incorporated to enhance durability and droplet manipulation capabilities.

Main Results:

• Successfully created titanium surfaces with triple biomimetic properties and superwettability.
• Achieved controllable macroscopic and microscopic droplet manipulation through anisotropic surface patterns.
• Demonstrated good durability of the groove structures and enhanced droplet manipulation ability.

Conclusions:

• The developed biomimetic surfaces offer a new approach for droplet manipulation on metal surfaces.
• The combination of interlaced wettability and groove structures provides a durable and versatile platform for liquid control.
• This research provides insights for designing advanced surfaces with tailored wettability for diverse applications.