This work presents the results of a three-month observation of wetting properties of differently laser-textured stainless steel AISI 316L. The samples were prepared uncoated, coated with epoxy resin, and with epoxy resin composite with inlcusion of FAS-TiO2 nanoparticles. The measurements were performed on samples kept under ambient conditions, and in conditions with reduced air pressure and humidity. Static water contact angles were measured and surface energy was calculated to evaluate surface wetting properties. Optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the roughness and morphology of laser-textured steel surfaces. The results have shown that superhydrophobicity of steel can be achieved either indirectly by aging the appropriately laser-textured surface, or directly by application of the epoxy resin composite with FAS-TiO2 nanoparticles. Ambient conditions have a significant impact on changes of wettability of laser-textured steel without coatings, but they do not affect the aging of additioanlly coated surfaces. I have shown that laser processing is an effective method for modifying surface morphology and, consequently, its wettability.
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