Fabrication of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic teflon surfaces using irradiation by nanosecond infrared laser

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, teflon) possesses excellent stability and low surface energy, which enables its extensive use in the manufacture of biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces. We proposed a simple and fast method for producing superhydrophobic surfaces by treating the teflon plate by nanosecond pulse infrared irradiation by means of CO2 laser. The surface relief was visualized by scanning electron microscope. The surface wettability was estimated by measuring the contact angle. The treated teflon superhydrophobic surfaces with static contact angle up to 154°demonstrated self-cleaning properties. The creation of regular two-dimensional structures leading to super-adhesive property of the teflon surface was shown. Thus, it was shown that the surface treating of teflon by nanosecond infrared laser could be used for creation of the super-hydrophobic surfaces for various applications such as self-cleaning, microfluidic devices, and the laboratory-on-chip systems.