Robustness tests on superoleophobic PEDOP films

International audiencetWe report the synthesis and the characterization of superoleophobic electrodeposited polymer surfacesobtained from original fluorinated 3,4-ethylenedioxypyrrole (EDOP) derivatives. Semi-fluorinated chainsof three different lengths (F-octyl, F-hexyl and F-butyl) were grafted to EDOP via a n-hexyl chain. The filmselaborated by imposed potential are characterized by static and dynamic contact angle measurements(with water and hexadecane), robustness tests, scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry.Robust superhydrophobic surfaces (contact angles of water greater than 140◦after applying an externalpressure) were produced from F-hexyl derivatives and robust superhydrophobic and superoleophobicsurfaces (contact angles of hexadecane greater than 140◦after applying an external pressure) were pro-duced from F-octyl derivatives. These surfaces presented a peculiar double-scale surface structure (micro-and nanostructuration). Oil-repellent properties are highly depending on the deposition charge i.e. onpolymer growth stage. The surface roughness parameters are given at various steps of the polymer growthand we thus identify microstructure profiles from which high oil-repellent properties are reached. Thepresence of oleophilic n-hexyl spacers has no prejudicial effect on superoleophobic properties obtainedwith F-octyl and F-hexyl chains but induces a decrease of oleophobicity with F-butyl chains because ofthe low interchain interactions of these short F-butyl chains