Laser-assisted fabrication and stability of superomniphobic surfaces

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Super non-wetting surfaces are considered the optimal surface for applications as varied as shower walls, windshields, turbine blades, etc. While research interest in this field is huge, surfaces that behave non-wetting to any fluid (superomniphobic) are still largely sought after in industrial applications, which can be explained by two reasons: (1) many of the presented fabrication techniques are not suitable for large area applications, require multiple expensive fabrication steps or are based on environmentally harmful coatings, which are readily damaged and require reapplication; (2) many of the presented surfaces behave non-wetting under ideal laboratory conditions, but fail in real applications. My research program spans and combines two research fields, one being femtosecond laser-matter interactions, namely fs laser micromachining, which I consider a viable method to create large-scale industrial surfaces with non-wetting behavior, and the other being the interaction of liquids with solids, namely wetting research. The long term goal of my research is to further develop and promote femtosecond laser micromachining to fabricate textured surfaces with defined wettability on everyday materials to provide a viable method for large scale industrial applications. Building upon our background in the field the objective of the current research program is to establish stability criteria and guidelines to design superomniphobic surface textures through characterization of wetting dynamics and partial penetration on laser-created surfaces. Two novel methods will be applied: confocal microscopy through a liquid immersion lens and drop impact with liquid footprint analysis. As laser-machined surfaces exhibit roughness on several length scales, progress will be made beyond the current single roughness features. To achieve this objective, specific targets will be addressed first, such as (1) the elucidation of the formation mechanisms of laser-induced surface texture on metals and polymers and (2) controlling the reaction mechanism causing wetting changes after laser machining. In the context of this Discovery grant funded research program 3 PhD, 3 MEng and 5 undergraduate students will be trained and learn invaluable skills at the forefront of research in chemical engineering, photonics applications and wetting physics. All HQP will be exposed to an interdisciplinary research environment guaranteed through the existing high level of interaction with other local and regional research groups. Over the course of their studies they will be exposed to peer-learning and instruction, which will further develop/enhance their communication and collaboration skills. The combination of the technical and soft skills acquired during their studies will provide them with an excellent toolkit to a successful career in academia or industry.