A general method for fabricating polymer-based intrinsic superhydrophobic objects by a selective laser sintering 3D printing strategy

Intrinsic superhydrophobic materials exhibit anti-wetting and abrasion-resistant capabilities simultaneously. However, the existing methods are highly restricted to specific synthetic material species. Here, we report a universal method for diverse polymeric materials to one-step prepare intrinsic superhydrophobic objects via a selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing technology. Through layer-by-layer sintering accumulation of poly-meric powders and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grains, the intrinsic superhydrophobic 3D objects can be fabricated according to the programmed digital models. The as-printed samples remained anti-wetting capability even after 600 m sandpaper abrasion under 12.5 kPa, illustrating a record-breaking wear-resistant ability. Furthermore, we printed a chemical reaction platform and an underwater wear-resistant water-air transmedia vehicle, indicating the practical applications in harsh environments. Finally, we demonstrate the universality of this method for other eight kinds of polymers-PTFE composite systems. This work will greatly improve the practical application of superhydrophobic materials and promote the development of 3D printing functional materials.

Automated summary

We present a universal method for preparing intrinsic superhydrophobic objects of diverse polymeric materials via selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing technology. The method involves layer-by-layer sintering of polymeric powders and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grains following programmed digital models. The printed objects exhibit excellent anti-wetting capability and wear resistance, making them suitable for practical applications in harsh environments. This work demonstrates the universality of the method for various polymer-PTFE composite systems and contributes to the development of 3D printing functional materials.