Durable superhydrophobic surfaces on 3D-Printed structures inspired by beehive architecture

This study presents an approach for fabricating durable superhydrophobic surfaces on 3D-printed structures inspired by the architectural design of beehives. Using fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology, hexagonal macrostructures were fabricated using polylactic acid (PLA) filament. These structures were designed to protect an inner layer of hydrophobic nanoparticles, which were deposited by a squeegee coating method and immobilized by a photocurable resin. The relationship between hexagonal area size (ranging from 24 to 200 mm²) and the durability of superhydrophobic properties under frictional stress was systematically investigated. Wettability and surface morphology analyses performed before and after the friction tests showed that structures with hexagonal areas between 40 and 80 mm² retained superhydrophobicity even after 100 friction cycles, while larger hexagonal configurations exhibited diminished performance. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, a theoretical model based on the Cassie-Baxter equation was developed and compared with experimental values alongside surface observations. This research advances the development of durable and functional superhydrophobic surfaces in 3D-printed materials, with promising implications for industries requiring water-repellent and self-cleaning technologies.