On the surface performance of superhydrophobic silicone rubber specimens fabricated by direct replica method

Biomimetic surface imitating microstructure of a lotus leaf cuticle was reproduced synthetically in industrial-grade silicone rubber specimens by means of direct replica method using random templates. The specimens displayed roughness-induced increase of water contact angle and were characterized by static contact angle at 150° superhydrophobic limit. Biomimetic silicone rubber specimens were also tested for prolonged exposure to air corona discharges. Resultant loss of superhydrophobicity was accredited to elimination of microstructural features necessary for roughnessinduced hydrophobicity boost due to physical etching of rough surface by coronagenerated charged ion bombardment.