Mesh-Armored Re-Entrant Structures via Solvent Evaporation-Induced Fragmentation for Abrasion-Durable Super-Repellent...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Super-repellent surfaces are crucial for applications like self-cleaning and drag reduction.
• Scalable fabrication and mechanical durability remain significant challenges for current super-repellent technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a scalable and robust method for fabricating hierarchical micro-nano re-entrant structures.
• To enhance the mechanical stability and underwater performance of super-repellent surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of superhydrophobic mesh re-entrant (SHM-R) structures via dip-coating a stainless-steel mesh with nanoparticle-infused superhydrophobic coating.
• Utilizing solvent evaporation-induced membrane fragmentation for spontaneous structure formation within mesh pores.
• Testing super-repellency using water and ethanol contact angle measurements and abrasion resistance tests.
• Evaluating underwater plastron stability and gas replenishment capabilities.

Main Results:

• Achieved exceptional super-repellency with water (CA 160.3°, SA 0.9°) and 30% ethanol (CA 150.6°, SA 7.4°).
• Demonstrated superior abrasion resistance, retaining properties after 100 cycles under 12.3 kPa pressure due to the mesh framework acting as mechanical armor.
• Showcased robust underwater plastron stability with improved water pressure resistance and rapid, capillary-driven air self-suction for plastron replenishment.

Conclusions:

• The developed SHM-R structures offer a scalable and mechanically robust solution for super-repellent surfaces.
• The stainless-steel mesh framework significantly enhances durability and underwater performance.
• This approach provides a viable pathway for practical implementation of super-repellent surfaces in demanding engineering applications.