Low‐Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Surface With a Wettability Gradient by Tuning its Microstructures

Summary: We describe an interesting approach to the fabrication of wettability gradients from hydrophobicity to superhydrophobicity in low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films by first forming high porosity surfaces and placing the specimens onto linear temperature gradients. While the polymer chosen for the study is non‐polar, its microporous layer provides sufficient superhydrophobicity. Lateral gradient heating of the layer results in partial melting of the polymer and correspondingly decreases porosity thus decreasing hydrophobicity. magnified image