How laser-based fabrication methods can be used to produce multifunctional surfaces

Laser-microtextured surfaces have gained an increasing interest due to their enormous spectrum of applications and industrial scalability. In this frame, several research studies have demonstrated how laser-based fabrication methods can be used to produce functional surfaces. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated is many cases, that the combination of structures with feature sizes in different ranges (e.g., microelements decorated with nanostructures) can not only further enhanced specific functions but also to provide surfaces with several functionalities. In this context, this study summarizes how Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP), Direct Laser Writing (DLW) and Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) can be combined, reaching advanced functionalities on technological relevant materials. The utilization of replication methods is also introduced, allowing to process for instance polymer foils. Finally, different surface functionalities are addressed, including wettability, ice-repellency, self-cleaning, antibacterial performance as well as enhancing optical properties of polymer materials for the fabrication of solar cells and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).