Fabrication superhydrophobic composite membranes with hierarchical geometries and low-surface-energy modifications

Research on superhydrophobic surfaces received continued attention due to more and more widely applications of superhydrophobic materials. Two parameters have been recognized for the rational design of the superhydrophobic materials: surface texture and chemical constitution. In this work, we fabricated composite membranes of polystyrene- block -poly (ethylene- co -butylene)- block -polystyrene (SEBS) and fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane- block -polystyrene (FPOSS-PS) using a sequential electrospinning and electrospraying approach. Composite membranes with hierarchical geometries could be achieved by adjusting the formulation and/or fabrication protocols. Incorporation of fluorinated component enhances the surface property of the composite membranes due to its ultra-low surface energy, while micron particles attached on the surface further promotes the robustness of the membrane and enhanced the cell/tissue anti-adhesion efficiency. With a simple annealing treatment, the physical crosslinking was built up between the micron particles and underlying fibers, rendering the membranes with good stability and anti-adhesion properties. These superhydrophobic membranes are anticipated to have potential applications in wound-dressing and other related areas.