Controlling liquids spreading on a surface has seen an increasing research interest over the past decade. Several methods of nanoscale surface modification via physical etching and chemical surface polymerization has been employed to engineer surfaces for various applications. The wetting properties transformation from superhydrophobic to super-hydrophilic, allowing a considerable degree of control over liquid spreading. It is essential to maximize the apparent contact angle on the surface, to achieve the high possibility of water absorption rate. Herein we substantiate the fundamental study of nanoscale surface modification via physical etching and chemical surface polymerization by using atmospheric cold plasma created by micro corona discharge. This study is simple, does not involve external chemical supplied for surface modification, and consequently can be applied to a wide range of materials.
