Transformation of a simple plastic into a superhydrophobic surface

Erbil H. Y., Demirel A. L., Avci Y., Mert O.

SCIENCE, no.5611, pp.1377-1380, 2003 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2003
  • Doi Number: 10.1126/science.1078365
  • Journal Name: SCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1377-1380
  • Kocaeli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surfaces are generally made by controlling the surface chemistry and surface roughness of various expensive materials, which are then applied by means of complex time-consuming processes. We describe a simple and inexpensive method for forming a superhydrophobic coating using polypropylene (a simple polymer) and a suitable selection of solvents and temperature to control the surface roughness. The resulting get-like porous coating has a water contact angle of 160degrees. The method can be applied to a variety of surfaces as long as the solvent mixture does not dissolve the underlying material.