Controlling the Wetting Properties of Superhydrophobic Titanium Surface Fabricated by UV Nanosecond-Pulsed Laser and Heat Treatment

In this study, the effects of nanosecond-pulsed laser and pattern design were researched on the wettability of titanium material. Nanosecond-pulsed laser and heat treatment are used to fabricate superhydrophobic titanium surfaces. The effects of laser power (1–3 W) and step size (50–300 µm) on a microscale patterned titanium surface (line pattern and grid pattern) were investigated to explain the relation between microstructure and superhydrophobicity. The surface morphologies and wettability of the surfaces were analyzed by three-dimensional confocal microscopy and a contact angle meter. The results show that the laser power and pattern design affected the apparent contact angle (CA) and sliding angle (SA). The maximum step size, which could show superhydrophobicity with apparent CA > 150° and SA < 10°, was increased when the laser power increased from 1 to 3 W. Grid pattern showed isotropic wetting behavior, but line pattern showed both isotropic and anisotropic wetting behavior according to step size and laser power. Furthermore, when choosing the proper laser power and step size, the wetting properties of superhydrophobic surface such as lotus effect (apparent CA > 150° and SA < 10°) and petal effect (apparent CA > 150° and no SA) and isotropic/anisotropic behavior can be controlled for applications of water droplet control.