Robust transferrable superhydrophobic surfaces

In this study, we present a simple and inexpensive method for enhancing the robustness of aluminium-based superhydrophobic surfaces and identify a method for reliably evaluating the degradation of such surfaces. A superhydrophobic aluminium surface was prepared by a chemical etching and hydrophobic coating. Hydrophobized aluminium particles on the surface were then transferred to adhesive strips. Scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements were conducted before and after water-jet and mechanical abrasion tests to evaluate the robustness of the superhydrophobic surfaces. Following the tests, the advancing contact angle remained unchanged while the receding contact angle depended on the adhesive strength of the surface. The receding contact angle on the superhydrophobic adhesive strip was found to decrease at a reduced rate, as compared to the original superhydrophobic aluminium surface. The receding contact angle was also measured to increase with the adhesive strength of the strips, demonstrating better overall superhydrophobic performance.