Manipulating Wetting State of CFRP via One-Step Laser Micro/Nanostructuring

The wetting state is a fundamental property of a material surface, yet achieving precise control over this property remains a formidable challenge. Mastery of wetting behavior can impart tailored functionalities to surfaces, such as liquid repellency, anti-fouling, and directional liquid transport. Despite the potential benefits, strategies for rapid and reliable modulation of various wetting states have remained elusive until now. In this study, an innovative one-step laser-based strategy that enables precise and rapid manipulation of surface wetting states on carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is presented. This approach allows for the creation of hydrophilic surfaces characterized by the Wenzel state, hydrophobic surfaces with a mixed Cassie-Baxter/Wenzel state, and robust superhydrophobic surfaces featuring a stable Cassie-Baxter state. The realization of a stable Cassie-Baxter state stems from the concurrent formation of hierarchical micro/nanostructures and the enrichment of low surface energy components. Critically, the resulting superhydrophobic CFRP surfaces with the Cassie-Baxter state exhibit exceptional stability, minimized adhesion, and superior anti-icing and de-icing properties. These findings provide both fundamental insights and a practical platform for the rapid development of non-wetting, multifunctional surfaces, significantly expanding the applicability of CFRP across diverse engineering domains.