Work

Development of Polymer Hydrophobic Surfaces Through Combined Laser Ablation and Hot Embossing Processes

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The development of hydrophobicity on polymer surfaces in mass production is one of the most critical challenges in the plastic industry. This paper deals with a novel combined hot embossing process in which femtosecond laser ablation is utilized to texture the embossing stamps. By controlling the process temperature and axial forces, the laser textures were transferred to polymer surfaces, successfully resulting in hydrophobicity. Four different polymers, including ABS, PP, PA, and PC, along with two different laser textures, namely ball and pyramid, were tested. The laser and hot embossing parameters under which the textures were transferred to the polymers are introduced. The critical micro- and nano-features of the transferred textures that resulted in high hydrophobic contact angles are also discussed. The results indicate that PP and ABS have higher contact angles, respectively, while under the given parameters, PA and PC did not exhibit hydrophobic surfaces.

Source: Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing

DOI: 10.3390/jmmp8060262

Authors: Esmaeil Ghadiri Zahrani, Amirmohmmad Fakharzadeh Jahromi, Bahman Azarhoushang

Institutions: University of Freiburg, Furtwangen University

Language: English

Topic: Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity

Subfield: Surfaces, Coatings and Films

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,046

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft