Micro/nanotextured polymer coatings fabricated by UV curing-induced phase separation: creation of superhydrophobic surfaces†
Abstract
Inspired by naturally occurring superhydrophobic surfaces, a number of approaches have been attempted to create specific surfaces having both micro- and nanoscale textures. To bring the artificial superhydrophobic surfaces closer to practical applications, a widely usable and simpler method that is systematically derived is required. Here, we describe a unique UV light-triggered micro/nanofabrication system for creating superhydrophobic surfaces, where the basic idea underlying this method comes from polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS) phenomena. The operation consists of a three-step sequence and can be quickly performed within several minutes under an open-air condition: (1) coating of a precursor mixture for PIPS on a substrate, (2) UV curing to induce phase separation between the growing