A novel and inexpensive technique for creating superhydrophobic surfaces using Teflon and sandpaper

Abstract

Considerable efforts have been spent over the last decade developing hydrophobic surfaces exhibiting very large contact angles with water. Many of these methods require complex and expensive fabrication techniques. We demonstrate that sanding Teflon can produce superhydrophobic surfaces with advancing contact angles of up to 151° and contact angle hysteresis of less than 4°. Furthermore, we show that a wide range of both advancing contact angles and contact angle hysteresis can be achieved by varying the grit size of the sandpaper, allowing for future hysteresis and contact angle studies. Scanning electron microscopy images of the roughened surfaces depict the range and amplitude of length scales imparted on the surface by the sandpaper, which leads to deeper understanding of the state of wetting on the surface.