Strategies for the construction of superamphiphilic surfaces of PET films based on the synergistic modification of UV-cured EP/HEA/CNTs

Recently, it is urgent for PET films to demonstrate both superhydrophilicity and superoleophilicity to meet evolving industrial demands in applications such as precision printing and biomedical interfaces. This work developed a superamphiphilic PET surface through synergistic integration of oleophilic/hydrophilic units and micro/nano-structures, utilizing a highly efficient UV-curable technology. Epoxy resin (EP) and hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) were utilised as the crosslinking matrix, with carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as functional fillers for micro/nano-structures formation. The modified PET films exhibited complete wetting behavior, showing 0° contact angles for both water and diiodomethane, along with a 66.8 % increase in surface energy (81.4 mN/m) compared to unmodified films. The E1H2C3 coating maintained 3B-grade adhesion without compromising tensile strength. Futhermore, the highly conductive CNTs significantly enhanced the film's antistatic properties, ultimately reducing resistivity by 11 orders of magnitude versus pristine samples. • A novel EP/HEA/CNTs coating forming macro/nano-structures was constructed onto PET films through UV-curing. • Superhydrophilicity and superoleophilicity with 0° CA were achieved while maintaining good adhesion. • This approach reduced resistivity by 11 orders of magnitude while preserving the films' tensile strength.