Fabrication and performance characterization of the multiscaled bionic superhydrophobic structure

Inspired by the hydrophobic properties of the fluffs of Papaver nudicaule Linn, a multiscaled superhydrophobic structure was fabricated through a combination of 3D printing and chemical modification. The prepared structure was characterized at both micromorphological and hydrophobic levels by using scanning electron microscope and microforce instrumentation. At the macroscopic scale, the structure consists of biomimetic pillars arranged in an array on the surface, with carbon nanotube clusters adhering to the pillars to form microscopic scales. The multiscaled synergistic enhancement effect of this structure results in excellent superhydrophobicity, with a water repellency force reaching 50.68 N/m². Compared to hydrophobic coatings and other existing methods for preparing microscopic hydrophobic structures, the proposed method is economical and straightforward. The multiscaled structure exhibits strong damage resistance and stable hydrophobicity, and is conducive to industrial production. As a result, it finds applications in various fields such as directional droplet migration, fluid drag reduction, and underwater gas exchange.