Generation of hierarchical topologies from photocrosslinkable, particle-stabilized emulsions

We describe a way to obtain biomimetic, hierarchical surface morphologies. In order to mimic natural surfaces more accurately such as lotus leaves and gecko feet, we employ a strategy that bears many of the attractive characteristics of natural materials synthesis. The system in question consists of a photocurable monomer and water. To this quasi-two-component system we add polymer latex spheres. The monomer-water interface is then manipulated according to the well-established science of complex fluids. Drawing from the rich phase behavior of particle-stabilized emulsions, we demonstrate the creation of complex biomimetic morphologies over many length scales. The resulting. structures are then solidified by crosslinking the monomer with UV light.