Synthesis of superhydrophobic microporous surfaces via light-directed phtopolymerization and phase separation

Abstract

The formation of microporous surfaces through polymer induced phase separation in a photopolymer solvent mixture using photopolymerization via light self-focusing and self-trapping. The self-trapping of light sets fixed regions of brightness and darkness, sustained by the polymerization of light, and then wave guiding within the substrate. Phase separation occurs with the solvent phase separating in the regions of darkness and crosslinking in the regions of brightness. Upon removal of the solvent, precise and uniformly dispersed pores are created in the surface. The pore size and spacing may be tuned by adjusting the weight fraction of the photopolymer solvent mixture as well as through changes in the mask pattern.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A microporous structure, comprising a polymerized monomer having a surface defining a series of pores that have a diameter ranging from 10 to 40 micrometers and that are spaced apart from each other by a distance ranging from 50 to 100 micrometers. 
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the microporous structure has a thickness between 100 and 400 micrometers. 
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the monomer comprises trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). 
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the surface is coated with a plurality of nanoparticles. 
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 4 , wherein the nanoparticles comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). 
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 5 , wherein the coated surface is characterized by a static water contact angle at or above 150°.