Abstract
Submerged superhydrophobic (SHPo) surfaces are well known to transition from the dewetted to wetted state over time. Here, a theoretical model is applied to describe the depletion of trapped air in a simple trench and rearranged to prescribe the conditions for infinite lifetime. By fabricating a microscale trench in a transparent hydrophobic material, we directly observe the air depletion process and verify the model. The study leads to the demonstration of infinite lifetime ( days) of air pockets on engineered microstructured surfaces under water for the first time. Environmental fluctuations are identified as the main factor behind the lack of a long-term underwater SHPo state to date.
- Received 24 May 2014
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.136103
© 2014 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Water-Repelling Surfaces Made Stable
Published 25 September 2014
The water-repelling properties of superhydrophobic surfaces may last longer when they’re used at shallower depths.
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