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A novel technique to manufacture superhydrophobic and superoleophobic polymer films
About
novel technique to manufacture superhydrophobic and superoleophobic polymer films for various uses. The discovery of natural surfaces demonstrating pronounced water repellence (the so called "lotus effect") stimulated extended theoretical and experimental research of wetting phenomena occurring on rough surfaces. The unique surface properties, to be supplied to molded plastic articles, are the manifestation of lotus effect which was recently revealed in biological systems
Key Benefits
Manufacturing a multiscale (hierarchical) superhydrophobic surface. Our technology texturda polymer surface at three size scales, in a fractal-like or pseudo-fractal-like manner, the lowest scale being nanoscale and the highest microscale. Additionaly, the hydrophobic polymer surface can be converted to hydrophobic metal surface by subsequent deposition of a metal layer onto the polymer surface.
Applications
Manufacturing of totally water/oil repellent, self-cleaning surfaces with use of industrially available materials. The polymers may be manufactured by extrusion, injection molding or vacuum molding. The technology has multiple of applications in many segments such as: military, process industries, food & packaging industry, consumer products, Clean-Tech.