Fabrication of robust PDMS micro-structure with hydrophobic and antifouling properties

Abstract Because of its flexibility, when polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is fabricated as a biomimetic antifouling surface, the surface micro-structure is usually vulnerable to structural collapse under external loads. In this research, a well-designed of robust PDMS micro-structure with improved hydrophobicity and antifouling properties was demonstrated. It was found that circular rings with eight stripe supporters (C-RESS) PDMS pattern with a size of 20 μm and a height of 68 μm showed an improved hydrophobicity with a water contact angle (WCA) of 120.0 ± 0.6°. The C-RESS pattern has the highest durability with the smallest suppression of the WCA after a scratch test of 1.3°. The adhesion of barnacle and algae on the C-RESS pattern is significantly reduced compared to other patterns. This is attributed to its high durability and unique surface topology, which result in excellent barnacle and algae antifouling properties after immersing the samples in seawater environment for 5 months. Therefore, the C-RESS pattern is one of the promising robust antifouling micro-structures in practical utilization for marine applications.