Superhydrophobic Polymers

Abstract

Superhydrophobic polymers are particularly attractive materials, as they combine low cost, ease of processing, and compatibility with a variety of applications. Surfaces that display the Cassie-Baxter wetting state are particularly attractive for their self-cleaning properties. In this chapter, a brief overview of the wetting principles will be followed by an account of several techniques currently used to impart superhydrophobicity onto polymer surfaces. Surface roughness and surface structure will be the focus of this chapter, with an emphasis on topographies that exhibit microscale or nanoscale features arranged in hierarchical order. Show more