Transparent ultra water-repellent poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrates fabricated by oxygen plasma treatment and subsequent hydrophobic coating

• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2004.10.143
• Publication Date: 2005-01-19T07:29:53Z
• Authors: Katsuya Teshima; Hiroyuki Sugimura; Yasushi Inoue; Osamu Takai; Atsushi Takano
• Keywords: Deposition

Wettability of solid surfaces with water is well-known to be governed by chemical properties and nanotextures of the surfaces. A proper nanotexture of surfaces enhances their hydrophobicity. In this study, a novel method consisting of two dry process techniques, that is, nanotexturing by an oxygen plasma treatment and subsequent hydrophobic coating by means of low temperature chemical vapor deposition or plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, was employed to form ultra water-repellent polymer sheets. A nanotexture was formed on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate surface via selective oxygen plasma etching. This surface nanotexture remained after the hydrophobic coatings using organosilane precursors. The surface-modified substrate was transparent and ultra water-repellent, showing a water contact angle greater than 150°.