Oleophobic surfaces by PDMS molding : from simple techniques to advanced surfaces

A new production method for superhydrophobic and oleophobic surfaces is being revised using PDMS molding. This relatively cheap method enables the low cost production of these surfaces, giving access to a new variety of applications. Surface structures with differing geometries where tested on oleophobic properties using contact angle hysteresis measurements and the observation of impinging droplets. The majority of the experiments where performed using ethylene glycol, featuring a lower surface tension and a higher viscosity than water. This showed good results with contact angle hysteresis below 5◦ and fully rebounding droplets from falling heights up to 12.3 mm.