Abstract
We have developed a straightforward method to tune the wettability of an aluminum substrate within a contact angle (CA) range from 2 degrees to 170 degrees by chemical deposition in CuCl2 solution and fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) modification. The CA of the as-deposited surface decreases with deposition time due to the growth of fractal copper dendrites, which enhance the surface roughness significantly. After subsequent modification with FAS, a superhydrophobic surface with CA 170 degrees and sliding angle less than 5 degrees has been obtained. With the increase of CA, the maximum spreading of water droplets is reduced. A bouncing behavior is observed for droplets impinging on the superhydrophobic substrate, suggesting its potential application as a self-cleaning surface.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 59 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | The European Physical Journal E (EPJ E) |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2013 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- SUPER-HYDROPHOBIC SURFACE
- SUPERHYDROPHOBIC SURFACE
- COTTON TEXTILES
- WATER
- FABRICATION
- ADHESION
- FILMS