Towards ultrahydrophobic surfaces: a biomimetic approach

Abstract

We report on efforts to mimic the wetting behaviour of surfaces or leaves of certain plants, which are rendered ultrahydrophobic through a dense layer of hairs grown on top of the leaf. We use a simple moulding approach to obtain elastic hydrophilic hydrogel networks with pillar structures that may serve as model systems for such hairy surfaces. In order to generate such structures, we first generate either a steel master or directly use a lady's mantle leaf. Second, the master is moulded against a silicone to yield an elastomer, which is a negative of the hairy surface. A subsequent radical polymerization in the negative leads to the formation of an elastic hydrogel even for the very high aspect ratios characteristic of the natural system. The results of some preliminary contact angle measurements on the obtained structures are discussed.

Design and Creation of Superwetting/Antiwetting Surfaces

“…A similar superhydrophobic property was also observed on the leaf of "lady's mantle", a herbaceous perennial plant. [57,58] In addition to the leaves of plants, many insects, [12,59,60] such as the water strider, butterfly, and the cicada, also show superhydrophobicity. Water striders (Fig.…”

A facial approach to fabricate superhydrophobic aluminum surface

“…Recently, some experimental results have also demonstrated that roughness can also lead to a superhydrophobic surface on a hydrophilic substrate. For example, Otten et al [21,22] reported that the leaves of Lady's Mantle exhibit superhydrophobic properties owing to the elasticity of the hydrophilic hairs on the hydrophilic leaves. Hosono et al [23] showed that a contact angle of up to 178…”

Ultrahigh‐Aspect Ratio Microfiber‐Furs as Plant‐Surface Mimics Derived from Teeth

“…[1][2][3][4][5] The latter is based on the great fl exibility of high-aspect-ratio fi laments (trichomes) and thus such surfaces show a typical Cassie-Baxter behavior, [ 6 , 7 ] i.e., water droplets are attached to the surface of air cushions and air pockets are entrapped underneath water. Particularly, the remarkable air-retaining properties make such surfaces economically and ecologically attractive for applications, in which a reduced drag of fl oating units (e.g.…”

“…ships) in fl uid fl ow is desirable. [ 4 ] Typical examples of such hairy plant surfaces with aspect ratios of 100:1 and higher are the tops of lady's mantle ( Alchemilla vulgaris ) leaves [ 5 ] and the undersides of Corokia cotoneaster (fam. Argophyllaceae ) leaves.…”