The present invention generally relates to methods for modifying and/or producing superhydrophobic surfaces. In particular, the present invention relates to reactive superhydrophobic surfaces which can be modified so as to produce superhydrophobic surfaces having patterns of different chemical functionalities or physical properties such as superhydrophilic-superhydrophobic micropatterns, and uses of these patterned superhydrophobic surfaces as self-cleaning coatings, anti-fouling coatings, or slippery coatings, or for chemical, biological and diagnostic applications, as well as methods for producing the same.

The disclosure provides a method of inking a polymer pen lithography tip array (PPL tip array), including applying an ink composition to a PPL tip array using at least two spray applicators to deposit the ink as a non-uniform ink layer. The disclosure further provides a method of depositing at least two ink compositions on PPL tip array, including applying a first ink to a first defined area using a first spray applicator, and applying a second ink to a second defined area using a second spray applicator. The disclosure further provides a method of scaling a linear ink composition gradient provided by at least two spray applicators to a PPL tip array having a length, L, including positioning the spray applicators at a distance of about 5.0 L to about 8.0 L relative to the surface of the PPL tip array, positioning the spray applicators at a distance of about 0.5 L to about 3.0 L relative to each other, and applying an ink composition.

A method and a device for manufacturing a base layer (3) having different degrees of hardness is disclosed. Further a workpiece with a base layer (3) manufactured by such method is disclosed.

An apparatus for selectively restricting deposition of a spray coating on a substrate surface includes at least one substrate-contacting stabilizer with a lower stabilizer surface which is selectively attachable to the substrate surface. A restrictor fin has a fin body having longitudinally separated upper and lower fin surfaces. An inner fin edge is connected to an inner stabilizer edge with an obtuse angle formed therebetween when viewed in a lateral-longitudinal plane. A plurality of transversely oriented fin apertures extend through the fin body. Each laterally adjacent pair of fin apertures defines a transversely oriented restrictor bar from the fin body interposed laterally therebetween. The fin apertures permit at least a portion of the spray coating to pass substantially longitudinally therethrough toward the substrate surface. The restrictor bars selectively prevent passage of at least a portion of the spray coating toward the substrate surface.

Provided is a coating method for coating a coating region of a to-be-coated surface by using a head including a plurality of nozzles configured to discharge a liquid. The coating method includes coating the coating region in a first mode while moving the head in a direction along an edge of the coating region and coating the coating region in a second mode having a higher discharge rate than that of the first mode. A first region including at least part of the edge is coated in the first mode.

A scaling and patterning apparatus for producing thin films with multi-material, customized gradient patterns is disclosed. The apparatus includes a slot die body integrated with multiple inlets and corresponding converging channels passing materials through the die body into a geometry configured for mixing the materials internally. The scaling and patterning apparatus may be used in a method of preparing multi-material, gradient patterned thin film materials.