Wetting and anti-fouling properties of groove-like microstructured surfaces for architectural ceramics

Contaminants on architectural ceramics have become a major problem in people's lives. Interestingly, superhydrophobic surfaces offer a new avenue for anti-fouling applications. In this work, a UV-laser process for constructing groove-like microstructures on architectural ceramics and subsequent fluoridation treatment were used to create superhydrophobic surfaces. After laser processing, nanoporous structures were generated inside the grooves, while the cracked layer was deposited on the non-irradiated area, building up a micro/nanoscale morphology on the ceramic surface. Moreover, the effects of groove pitch and laser scanning cycle on surface morphology and wettability were investigated. Results indicate that the fluoridated groove-like microstructured surface showed good superhydrophobicity based on the Cassie-Baxter model. Dynamic behavior of water droplets impacting on the as-prepared superhydrophobic surface was studied to verify its low adhesion. Additionally, the superhydrophobic surface exhibited remarkable repellency to various stain liquids and outstanding self-cleaning properties. These findings may contribute to developing anti-fouling applications for the architectural ceramics industry.