Literature review on superhydrophobic self-cleaning surfaces produced by electrospinning

• Published in: Journal of polymer science. Part B, Polymer physics Vol. 50; no. 12; pp. 824 - 845
• Main Authors: Sas, Iurii, Gorga, Russell E., Joines, Jeff A., Thoney, Kristin A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.06.2012; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; biomimetic; electrospinning; Exact sciences and technology; fibers; Fibers and threads; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; functionalization of polymers; lotus effects; microstructure; nanotechnology; Polymer industry, paints, wood; self-cleaning; superhydrophobic; surfaces; Technology of polymers; textiles; lotus effects; fibers; microstructure; Polymer fibers; biomimetic; Electrospinning; Nanofiber; textiles; Review; Hydrophobicity; self-cleaning; surfaces; functionalization of polymers; Surface properties; nanotechnology; Self cleaning; Manufacturing; superhydrophobic
• ISSN: 0887-6266; 1099-0488
• DOI: 10.1002/polb.23070

Self‐cleaning surface is potentially a very useful addition for many commercial products due to economic, aesthetic, and environmental reasons. Super‐hydrophobic self‐cleaning, also called Lotus effect, utilizes right combination of surface chemistry and roughness to force water droplets to form high contact angle on a surface, easily roll off a surface and pick up dirt particles on its way. Electrospinning is a promising technique for creation of superhydrophobic self‐cleaning surfaces owing to a wide set of parameters that allow effectively controlling roughness of resulted webs. This article gives a brief introduction to the theory of super‐hydrophobic self‐cleaning and basic principles of the electrospinning process and reviews the scientific literature where electrospinning was used to create superhydrophobic surfaces. The article reviewed are categorized into several groups and their results are compared in terms of superhydrophobic properties. Several issues with current state of the art and highlights of important areas for future research are discussed in the conclusion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012 Surfaces that mimic self‐cleaning properties of lotus leaves are desired in many applications. Superhydrophobic self‐cleaning is achieved when water droplets can easily roll off the surface and pick up dirt particles on the way. Electrospinning is a promising technique to fabricate such surfaces. It allows producing superhydrophobic webs composed of fine fibers by tuning fibers surface roughness and chemistry. This article reviews the most recent studies where electrospinning was used to create superhydrophobic surfaces.