Durable superhydrophobicity in embossed CYTOP fluoropolymer micro and nanostructures

Micropillars, nanopillars and dual scale micro-nanopillars were fabricated out of an inherently hydrophobic amorphous CYTOP fluoropolymer by hot embossing. The resulting pillars were superhydrophobic with high apparent contact angles (theta > 160 degrees) and low rolling angles. Abrasion experiments were performed using a novel rotary abrasive slurry setup. Due to their inherent hydrophobicity, CYTOP micro and nanopillars retained their superhydrophobic properties even after 4 h of abrasion (900 rpm in 10% slurry of 30 mu m alumina particles), unlike control samples prepared out of fluoropolymer coated silicon. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.