Hierarchical pore structures fabricated by electron irradiation of silicone grease and their applications to superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic films

Abstract

Unique hierarchical pore structures were fabricated by simply irradiating an electron beam onto silicone grease films. The hierarchical pore structures consisted of micrometer- sized pores and macroporous walls. Due to the high surface roughness, the hierarchical pore structures exhibited both superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle (CA) of 170 degrees and superhydrophilicity with an extremely low water CA of 3 degrees after the chemical treatment of the surfaces. In addition to the hierarchical pore structures, sponge-like pore structures were also fabricated by the electron irradiation of silicone grease films.