Inorganic Surface Microtexture for Durable Low Water Wettability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for achieving low wettability with respect to water on inorganic surfaces, such as those used in window panels and ophthalmic lenses, face challenges in maintaining durability due to abrasion and complexity in manufacturing processes, particularly with nanopillar structures.
Innovation Solution
Forming fine irregularities on the surface of inorganic members with specific parameters (skewness Ssk ≤ −0.1, mean width 30 nm to 750 nm, ratio Rc/RSm 0.02 to 1.00, arithmetical mean height Sa 1 nm to 100 nm, and maximum height Sz 30 nm to 500 nm) using methods like shot blasting, ensuring high rigidity and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coating film made of organic fluorine compound is formed on the surface of the inorganic member, then low wettability with respect to water is achieved, but the coating film is worn down or peeled off by abrasion making it difficult to maintain low wettability over a long period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the organic fluorine compound coating film from the surface treatment process. Instead of applying an external coating, the patent forms fine irregularities directly on the inorganic member surface through controlled etching or surface treatment, achieving low wettability through the inherent surface morphology rather than through a separate coating layer that can be worn or peeled off.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces fine irregularities as an intermediary surface morphology between the inorganic member and water. These irregularities with specific dimensional parameters (peak-to-valley distance of 10-1000 nm, width of 1-100 nm) act as a mediator that creates low wettability through capillary pressure effects, replacing the need for organic coating films while providing durable, integrated surface properties.
2Reliability
If irregularities are formed on the surface of the inorganic member to reduce wettability, then hydrophobicity is improved, but the nanopillar structure is damaged by abrasion such as rubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating fine irregularities with specifically controlled dimensional parameters (peak-to-valley distance of 10-1000 nm, width of 1-100 nm) that are optimized for both low wettability and abrasion resistance. These localized surface features are integrated into the inorganic member structure rather than being separate elements, providing both functional performance and mechanical durability at the surface level.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite surface structure by combining the inorganic member material with fine irregularities formed through controlled etching or surface treatment. This composite morphology integrates the structural integrity of the inorganic material with the functional surface properties needed for low wettability and abrasion resistance, eliminating the need for separate coating layers.
3Reliability
If a nanopillar structure with high aspect ratio is formed on the surface, then low wettability is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies parameter changes by optimizing the dimensional parameters of surface irregularities (peak-to-valley distance of 10-1000 nm, width of 1-100 nm) to achieve low wettability through naturally formable structures. These parameter ranges allow the irregularities to be created using conventional surface treatment methods rather than requiring complex nanofabrication processes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enables the formation of inorganic members with excellent durability and low wettability to water without organic coatings, maintaining transparency and reducing wettability over time.
Implementation Method 1
a tendency for wettability of the surface with respect to water differs significantly depending on whether the nature of the solid is hydrophilic or hydrophobic... in a case of a hydrophobic solid, hydrophobicity is improved by forming irregularities on the surface of the solid, and thus, wettability of the surface with respect to water is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an inorganic member and a method for manufacturing an inorganic member. The inorganic member is configured so that a fine irregularities can be formed on the surface thereof with a simple procedure, and by controlling the shape of the irregularities, realize excellent durability and low wettability with respect to water without forming (depositing) an organic fluorine-based coating film. At least a part of a main surface (surface), in which a skewness of the fine irregularities is −0.1 or less. The fine irregularities are formed by performing the wet blast treatment.