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Low‐Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Surface With a Wettability Gradient by Tuning its Microstructures
Author(s) -
Lu Xiaoying,
Zhang Jilin,
Zhang Changchun,
Han Yanchun
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
macromolecular rapid communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.348
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1521-3927
pISSN - 1022-1336
DOI - 10.1002/marc.200400626
Subject(s) - low density polyethylene , wetting , microporous material , materials science , porosity , polyethylene , polymer , composite material , microstructure , layer (electronics) , fabrication , contact angle , linear low density polyethylene , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology
Summary: We describe an interesting approach to the fabrication of wettability gradients from hydrophobicity to superhydrophobicity in low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films by first forming high porosity surfaces and placing the specimens onto linear temperature gradients. While the polymer chosen for the study is non‐polar, its microporous layer provides sufficient superhydrophobicity. Lateral gradient heating of the layer results in partial melting of the polymer and correspondingly decreases porosity thus decreasing hydrophobicity.