Applied Surface Science, Vol.458, 619-628, 2018
Direct replication of micro-nanostructures in the fabrication of superhydrophobic silicone rubber surfaces by compression molding
We describe a simple method for fabricating superhydrophobic high temperature vulcanized (HTV) silicone rubber surfaces by direct replication using a compression molding system. The resulting rubber samples possessed micro-nanostructures on the surface. This micro- and nano-scale roughness produced a water contact angle of > 160 degrees and a contact angle hysteresis of < 3 degrees. The roughness patterns on chemically etched aluminum surfaces, which served as templates, were successfully replicated on the rubber surfaces. An antistiction coating applied to the template surface ensured that the rubber was completely removed during demolding and that the replicated micro-nanostructures on the silicone surface were preserved. Surface roughness of the aluminum templates was optimized at HCl concentrations of 15wt.%, with a lower roughness value observed at acid concentrations above and below this value. The developed HTV silicone rubber surfaces also demonstrated a freezing delay and a self-cleaning capacity.
Keywords:Superhydrophobicity;Silicone rubber;Micro-nanostructures;Direct replication;Self-cleaning properties;Compression molding