Long-chain perfluorinated chemicals (LCPFCs) have been widely employed in a wide variety of engineering fields by taking advantages of their excellent hydrophobic/oleophobic properties. However, their chemical and physical effects on human health and the environment have been lately viewed with suspicion. An alternative hydrophobic/oleophobic treatment method not requiring LCPFCs has been strongly demanded.  In this study, we report on the novel way to realize excellent oleophobicity without relying on conventional surface roughening and LCPFCs. We have successfully prepared unique oleophobic surfaces for alkane liquids using a simple sol-gel mixture containing alkyltriethoxysilanes and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS). Due to the enhancement of the motion of functional groups by addition of TMOS as a molecular spacer, small volume alkane droplets (5 �L) could be easily set in motion to move across and off our hybrid surfaces without pinning at low tilt angles (~5�). Conventional LCPFCs are not necessary to realize oleophobicity.

How to realize oleophobicity without relying on perfluorinated chemicals

245th National Meeting (2013)

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