Laser-induced nanoscale superhydrophobic structures on metal surfaces

J. Radhakrishnan, B. Pathiraj, Elif Karatay, Gerardus Richardus, Bernardus, Engelina Römer, Bert Huis in 't Veld

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

176 Citations (Scopus)
14 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The combination of a dual-scale (nano and micro) roughness with an inherent low-surface energy coating material is an essential factor for the development of superhydrophobic surfaces. Ultrashort pulse laser (USPL) machining/structuring is a promising technique for obtaining the dual-scale roughness. Sheets of stainless steel (AISI 304 L SS) and Ti-6Al-4V alloys were laser-machined with ultraviolet laser pulses of 6.7 ps, with different numbers of pulses per irradiated area. The surface energy of the laser-machined samples was reduced via application of a layer of perfluorinated octyltrichlorosilane (FOTS). The influence of the number of pulses per irradiated area on the geometry of the nanostructure and the wetting properties of the laser-machined structures has been studied. The results show that with an increasing number of pulses per irradiated area, the nanoscale structures tend to become predominantly microscale. The top surface of the microscale structures is seen covered with nanoscale protrusions that are most pronounced in Ti-6Al-4V. The laser-machined Ti-6Al-4V surface attained superhydrophobicity, and the improvement in the contact angle was >27% when compared to that of a nontextured surface
Original languageUndefined
Pages (from-to)8464-8469
JournalLangmuir
Volume27
Issue number13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Keywords

  • METIS-277150
  • IR-79810

Cite this