Wetting and Self-Cleaning Properties of Silicone Rubber Surfaces Treated by Atmospheric Plasma Jet

The accumulation of ice and/or pollution on outdoor power transmission lines can cause serious problems. To reduce the potential for severe ice/pollution accumulation, nature-inspired superhydrophobic surfaces having non-wetting and self-cleaning properties have drawn much focus. In this study, an atmospheric-pressure air plasma jet produced superhydrophobic surfaces by creating surface roughness on low surface energy silicone rubber. The effect of plasma parameters on the water repellency of silicone rubber was assessed using the design of experiment (DoE) method focused on three parameters: plasma power, the number of passes and the gas flow rate. FTIR and profilometry analysis characterized the chemical composition and roughness of the treated silicone rubber surfaces. Eventually, the micro-structured silicone rubber surface created by plasma treatment led to superhydrophobic properties.