Approaches for Evaluating and Engineering Resilient Superhydrophobic Materials

Abstract

Superhydrophobic materials rely upon highly rough surface morphologies in order to maximise water repellency, and requires surface features on the micro/nanoscale. These tremendously small surface structures are inherently physically weak, relative to characteristics of bulk materials. This limits the real-world applicability of many superhydrophobic surfaces, as degradation and loss of superhydrophobicity readily occurs upon exposure to anticipated stimuli. Consequently, there is an absence of long-lasting commercial products, but instead rely upon frequent regeneration. These materials demonstrate a tremendous potential for application in a range of areas, including antifouling, self-cleaning, drag-reduction, anti-icing, etc. To realise application on these fields, superhydrophobic resilience must be maximised. This chapter summarises evaluation methods and engineering procedures in attaining resilience, both are highly important in the development of robust materials.

Carbon Nanofiber/SiO2 Nanoparticle/HDPE Composites as Physically Resilient and Submersible Water-Repellent Coatings on HDPE Substrates

“…Hence, these coatings show tremendous potential in future applications as real-world superhydrophobic materials. The synthesis methodology (hot pressing) is used by a range of industries (e.g., polymer coatings in upholstery) and show the potential for implantation in many more. , The implementation of enhanced composites presents a multitude of future development options both academic and industrial research. This encompasses superhydrophobic material design but extends to formulation science, nanocomposite engineering, and the development of fabrication methodologies.…”