SuperHydrophobic and SuperHydrophilic Polycarbonate by Tailoring Chemistry and Nano-texture with Plasma Processing

Versatility of plasma processing is demonstrated for the preparation of nanotextured polycarbonate surfaces with superior wettability properties. Tens of nanometers wide pillar structures are produced on the polymer by means of oxygen plasma etching, inducing on the surface a pronounced hydrophilic behavior. As well known from literature, however, treated surfaces undergo a fast hydrophobic recovery, but a post-deposition process can ensure the formation of transparent and stable superhydrophylic or superhydrophobic surfaces.