Functionalized CFRP surface with water-repellence, self-cleaning and anti-icing properties

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are widely used in various industry fields due to their high strength and stiffness. However, their intrinsic hydrophilicity makes the surface easily be wetted by water, which sometimes limits their practical applications. In this paper, we present a simple method to functionalize CFRP surface by using picosecond laser direct writing and fluoroalkylsilane immersion, through which micro/nanostructures and low surface energy are created on CFRP surface. The functionalized surface possesses static water contact angle > 150 degrees and rolling-off angle < 10 degrees, and impinged water droplet can easily rebound from the surface, showing excellent water-repellence. The non-wetting surface shows remarkable tolerance towards low/high temperature exposure, falling sand abrasion and aqueous solutions invasion. The superhydrophobicity impart CFRP surface Lotus-like self-cleaning property. Additionally, the functionalized CFRP surface shows outstanding anti-icing capacity compared with the original surface. Our results offer insights into the design of functional CFRP surface and might improve the application prospects of CFRP in some complex conditions like dusty, rainy and cold environments.