Title: Hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface pattern design for oil repellent function in water

Authors: Nobuyuki Moronuki; Hirokazu Tachi; Yashio Suzuki

Addresses: Tokyo Metropolitan University, 6-6 Asahigaoka, Hino-shi, Tokyo, Japan ' Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd., 3-19-3 Toyosaki, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan ' Housetec Inc., Shimoezure, Chikusei-shi, Ibaraki, Japan

Abstract: Oil droplets on a hydrophilic surface are easier to remove than that on a hydrophobic surface in water due to the difference in interfacial force balances. Properly designed hydrophilic/hydrophobic pattern promotes the motion of droplet contact line which leads to self-cleaning surface. This study aims to discuss the surface design in addition to the measurement of oil droplet adhesion force. It was found that star-like hydrophobic pattern propels oil droplet better than dot or rectangular pattern with the help of directional force component. Finally, proper specification was discussed based on the experiments.

Keywords: functional surfaces; self-cleaning surfaces; wettability; patterning; oil droplets; adhesion force; hydrophilic surfaces; hydrophobic surfaces; oil repellent; water; droplet contact motion; hydrophobic patterns; hydrophilic patterns; oil stains.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNM.2015.070522

International Journal of Nanomanufacturing, 2015 Vol.11 No.1/2, pp.46 - 55

Received: 10 Feb 2014
Accepted: 12 Dec 2014
Published online: 09 Jul 2015 *

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