Abstract
Inspired from the low wetting properties of Lotus leaves, the fabrication of dual micro/nano-scale topographies is of interest to many applications. In this research, superhydrophobic surfaces are fabricated by a process chain combining ultrashort pulsed laser texturing of steel inserts and injection moulding to produce textured polypropylene parts. This manufacturing route is very promising and could be economically viable for mass production of polymeric parts with superhydrophobic properties. However, surface damages, such as wear and abrasion phenomena, can be detrimental to the attractive wetting properties of replicated textured surfaces. Therefore, the final product lifespan is investigated by employing mechanical cleaning of textured polypropylene surfaces with multipurpose cloths following the ASTM D3450 standard. Secondly, the surface damage of replication masters after 350 injection moulding cycles with glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene, especially to intensify mould wear, was investigated. In both cases, the degradation of the dual-scale surface textures had a clear impact on surface topography of the replicas and thus on their wetting properties, too.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 010913 |
Journal | Journal of Micro and Nano-Manufacturing |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 13 Feb 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 31 Mar 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The research was carried out in the framework of the European Union’s H2020 research and innovation programs on “Short pulsed laser micro/nanostructuring of surfaces for improved functional applications” (Laser4Fun), “Process fingerprint for zero-defect net-shape micromanufacturing” (MICROMAN), “High-impact injection molding platform for mass-production of 3D and/or large microstructured surfaces with antimicrobial, self-cleaning, antiscratch, antisqueak and esthetic functionalities” (HIMALAIA) and “Modular laser based additive manufacturing platform for large scale industrial applications” (MAESTRO). Further support was provided by the UKIERI DST program “Surface functionalisation for food, packaging, and healthcare applications.”
Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Wear
- abrasion
- microtexture
- wettability
- micro injection moulding,
- laser texturing
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Mechanics of Materials
- Process Chemistry and Technology
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering