Creation of a Superhydrophobic Surface from an Amphiphilic Polymer

Abstract

Poly(vinyl alcohol), an inherently amphiphilic material, can act as a superhydrophobic surface when deposited as nanofibers on an aluminum oxide membrane (see picture). The arrangement of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic functional groups, both in the surface and within the interior of the material, has a marked effect on surface activity. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2003/z19807_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.