Abstract: Various examples are related to template-free methodologies to obtain “semi-regular” micro/nano-textures utilizing ribbing instability behavior in viscoelastic polymers. The methodologies offer low manufacturing cost and scalability for real-world applications. In one example, a method includes forming a viscoelastic material coating and forming micro-scale and/or nano-scale 3D features on a surface of the viscoelastic material coating. The micro-scale and/or nano-scale 3D features can be formed under shearing stress using a roll-to-roll process without a template. The texture periodicity and height in the polymer coat film can be adjusted through the roll coating process parameters and/or the polymer composite behavior.