courtesy of Dataphysics
The properties of superhydrophobic surfaces are highly desirable in many industries and applications. Unfortunately these surfaces often suffer from low durability. They are for example easily scratched by hard objects and their superhydrophobicity is destroyed.
In the latest Nature cover story Wang, D., Sun, Q., Hokkanen, M.J., Ras, R.H.A. et al. introduce a new strategy to create superhydrophobic surfaces that have a high mechanical stability. They designed a material matrix that combines the superhydrophobic nanostructure with a highly durable macrostructure. This new material can be even scratched with a razorblade or with sandpaper without losing its superhydrophobic properties. Due to its transparent nature the new material matrix is an ideal candidate for a new kind of self-cleaning cover material for solar panels.
We are proud that one of our optical contact angle measuring and contour analysis systems OCA 50 was used in the wettability studies that accompanied this work and warmly recommend you this great read.
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