Ultrahigh-aspect ratio microfiber-furs as plant-surface mimics derived from teeth

Abstract

Ultrahydrophobic surfaces that mimic the surface of a Corokia cotoneaster leaf were created by using cow teeth as natural template. After UV curing of an acrylate resin and removing the template, a highly dense hairy fur-like structure with high aspect ratio could be obtained. Subsequent modification with silica nanoparticles and fluorosilane afforded a water contact angle of some 170°. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.