Abstract:

The surfaces with micro-rib structure whose height can be adjusted are obtained by the assembly technique, then the low surface energy materials are deposited on the surfaces by self-assembled technique in order to prepare the hydrophobic/ superhydrophobic surfaces. The surface wettability are adjusted by mechanically controlling rid’s height. The results show that the wettability adjustment and control of the designed hydrophobic/superhydrophobic surfaces can be attained by the mechanically controlling method, and the effect of wettability control is consecutive. The contact angle of surfaces with micro-rib structure is anisotropic. The contact angle in rib’s vertical direction is bigger than that in rib’s parallel direction. Based on the mechanical adjustment and control method, the surface wettability in rib’s vertical direction can be regulated reversibly between weak hydrophobic and strong hydrophobic, and even super hydrophobic. The adjustment and control effect of wettability in rib’s parallel direction is relatively weaker. The contact angle of the surface with the best comnination can be regulated between 116.2°~151.4°. By changing the micro-rib’s height, the contact angle can arrive any value within the range.

Key words: hydrophobic/superhydrophobic surfaces, mechanically controlling method, wettability adjustment and control