Straightforward and precise approach to replicate complex hierarchical structures from plant surfaces onto soft matter polymer

Kumar, C. , Le Houérou, V., Speck, T. and Bohn, H. F. (2018) Straightforward and precise approach to replicate complex hierarchical structures from plant surfaces onto soft matter polymer. Royal Society Open Science, 5(4), 172132. (doi: 10.1098/rsos.172132) (PMID:29765666) (PMCID:PMC5936931)

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Abstract

The surfaces of plant leaves are rarely smooth and often possess a species-specific micro- and/or nano-structuring. These structures usually influence the surface functionality of the leaves such as wettability, optical properties, friction and adhesion in insect–plant interactions. This work presents a simple, convenient, inexpensive and precise two-step micro-replication technique to transfer surface microstructures of plant leaves onto highly transparent soft polymer material. Leaves of three different plants with variable size (0.5–100 µm), shape and complexity (hierarchical levels) of their surface microstructures were selected as model bio-templates. A thermoset epoxy resin was used at ambient conditions to produce negative moulds directly from fresh plant leaves. An alkaline chemical treatment was established to remove the entirety of the leaf material from the cured negative epoxy mould when necessary, i.e. for highly complex hierarchical structures. Obtained moulds were filled up afterwards with low viscosity silicone elastomer (PDMS) to obtain positive surface replicas. Comparative scanning electron microscopy investigations (original plant leaves and replicated polymeric surfaces) reveal the high precision and versatility of this replication technique. This technique has promising future application for the development of bioinspired functional surfaces. Additionally, the fabricated polymer replicas provide a model to systematically investigate the structural key points of surface functionalities.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kumar, Dr Charchit
Authors: Kumar, C., Le Houérou, V., Speck, T., and Bohn, H. F.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Royal Society Open Science
Publisher:The Royal Society
ISSN:2054-5703
Published Online:18 March 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 The Authors
First Published:First published in Royal Society Open Science 5(4): 172132
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence

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