Biology Inspired Superhydrophobic Surfaces

J. J. Victor; D. Facchini; G. Palumbo; Uwe Erb

doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.409.814

Paper Titles

Preparation of Photocatalytic TiO₂ Filter by Chemical Surface Treatment from Ti Non-Woven Fabric
p.793

Characterization of Microwave Plasma for Polymer Surface Modification Using FTIR Emission Spectroscopy
p.797

Formation of Fe-Al Intermetallic Compound Film on Carbon Steel by Shot Peening and Heat Treatment
p.802

Tribological Characterization of Electroless Nickel-Boron Coatings
p.808

Biology Inspired Superhydrophobic Surfaces
p.814

Oxidation Resistance of Al-Rich Aluminide Coating on TiAl Based Alloy by Thermal Spray and Diffusion Treatment
p.820

Formation of Deformation-Induced Divorced Eutectoid Pearlite above the Ae₁
p.829

Thermomechanical Processing of a Nb-Microalloyed Steel in a Controlled-Forging Treatment
p.835

Solid Freeform Fabrication of Al-Li 2199 via Controlled-Short-Circuit-MIG Welding
p.843

HomeAdvanced Materials ResearchAdvanced Materials Research Vol. 409Biology Inspired Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Biology Inspired Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Abstract:

In this study, the surface structure of a self-cleaning, superhydrophobic leaf was examined using electron microscopy and optical methods, and its wetting properties were measured using a contact angle goniometer. Using the micro/nanostructural surface features of this leaf as a blueprint, an inexpensive surface structuring technique was developed by modifying the surface of nanocrystalline nickel to create a template. These templates were then pressed into softened polyethylene at elevated temperatures and pressures, thereby transferring the structured surface to the polymer samples. All templates and pressed polymers were characterized in the same manner as the leaves. This method increased the wetting angle for polyethylene from 96° to 151° and reduced the tilt angle from 38° to <5°.