Modeling, Fabrication, and Characterization of Oleophobic/Oleophilic Surfaces

Abstract

Oleophobic surfaces have the potential for self-cleaning and antifouling from biological and organic contaminants both in air and underwater applications. A model surface for superoleophobicity and self-cleaning is provided by sea animals such as fish and sharks, which are known to be well protected from contamination by oil pollution although they are wetted by water (Bhushan, 2009). Fish scales have a hierarchical structure consisting of sector-like scales with diameters of 4–5 mm covered by papillae 100–300 μm in length and 30–40 μm in width (Liu et al., 2009).