High-throughput laser-based surface functionalization for fabrication of superhydrophobic soda-lime glass

Rendering transparent materials extreme wettability, for example, superhydrophobicity or superhydrophilicity, has received considerable attention during the past decades. While fabrication of superhydrophobic glass with high processing efficiency and low production cost has always been a challenge. In this work, a laser-based surface functionalization process that combines ultraviolet (UV) nanosecond laser texturing and silicone oil-assisted heat treatment was employed to render glass superhydrophobicity with high process throughput. The wettability transition is attributed to the combined effects of laser texturing that induces hierarchical surface micro/nanostructures and silicone oil-assisted heat treatment that alters surface chemistry and lowers surface energy. The surface transmittance of the laser-based surface functionalized glass samples in the visible spectrum was experimentally measured and analyzed. The laser-based surface functionalized glass sample also exhibited long-term stability in air, mechanical robustness and good self-cleaning property. More importantly, the developed process shows both high process efficiency and cost effectiveness and has potential for applications where superhydrophobic glass is required.