3d-Printed Biomimetic Superhydrophobic and Multifunctional Ptfe Structures with Enhanced Wear Resistance

Abstract

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a widely used hydrophobic material known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and high-temperature stability, making it ideal for harsh environments. However, difficulty in fabricating complex 3D geometric shapes of PTFE limits its hydrophobic applications. This study addresses this limitation by developing a novel PTFE based ink suitable for photonpolymerization 3D printing, enabling the creation of intricate PTFE structures. By designing a biomimetic array structure inspired by cicada wings, enhanced superhydrophobic application performance has been achieved. The research further explores the effects of sintering on the structural properties, demonstrating that incorporating a PTFE composite with carbon improves wear resistance and mechanical stability, particularly in extreme conditions. Additionally, a biomimetic needle-repelling model was developed, showing superior droplet-carrying capacity. This model is further utilized as a multifunctional droplet-carrying reactor for applications such as chemical reactions, oil-water separation, non-destructive droplet transfer, and fog collection.

Keywords: Biomimetic array superhydrophobic, 3D printing of PTFE microstructures, Material modification, Fog collection