Facile method to prepare a novel honeycomb-like superhydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxan surface

A novel honeycomb-like superhydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxan surface with interesting hierarchical micro- and nanostructures was obtained using a facile template method. The water contact angle and sliding angle of the superhydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxan surface were 155 +/- 1.7 degrees and 5 degrees, respectively. The superhydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxan surface showed high stability in the pH range from 1 to 14. After several frictions, the superhydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxan surface also maintained high superhydrophobicity. When the superhydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxan surface was contaminated, 99.5% contaminant particles were removed from the superhydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxan surface by artificial rain, showing an excellent self-cleaning property. After being stored in an ambient environment for 6 months, no decrease in water contact angle was observed. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.