Deposition of organic-based superhydrophobic films for anti-adhesion and self-cleaning applications

Surface having superhydrophobic and self-cleaning property is generally found in nature such as lotus leaf and butterfly's wing. Such surfaces consist of protrusions in micrometer scale covered with waxy nanoparticles, giving the surface self-cleaning property as water droplets roll off the rough surface and pick up dirt and fine debris with them. Synthetic superhydrophobic films having similar feature have been fabricated for specific functions as water-repellence, self-cleaning and anti-fouling. This present work attempts to mimic such natural surface feature by controlling surface roughness of the underlying organic layer simply by chemical etching, followed by deposition of oxide nanoparticles and finally thin layer of organic molecules to further lower surface energy. The fabricated films on glass substrate exhibited water contact angle higher than 150 degrees. Results of surface analysis by using an atomic force microscopy as well as results of self-cleaning and anti-adhesion are presented. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.