The lotus effect known from nature has so far only been successfully imitated by the incorporation of additives or by modifying the polymers used. By using microstructured moulds there is now a way to produce durable, superhydrophobic surfaces in a single-step injection moulding process. This method combines shaping and functionalisation of the part in one process step. The studies show that, by selecting suitable microstructures, an increase in the contact angle by up to 40° can be achieved. At the same time, the LSR microstructures produced show good abrasion resistance.
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