Hierarchical structures for natural superhydrophobic surfaces

Superhydrophobicity of natural surfaces has recently been studied intensively with the aim of designing artificial surfaces. However, the role of hierarchical structures in such surfaces has not been completely understood. Based on thermodynamic free energy analysis, we reveal that the harmonious co...

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Main Authors: Li, Wei, Amirfazli, A.
Format: Journal Article
Published: RSC Publishing 2008
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/20344
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author Li, Wei
Amirfazli, A.
author_facet Li, Wei
Amirfazli, A.
author_sort Li, Wei
building Curtin Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description Superhydrophobicity of natural surfaces has recently been studied intensively with the aim of designing artificial surfaces. However, the role of hierarchical structures in such surfaces has not been completely understood. Based on thermodynamic free energy analysis, we reveal that the harmonious combination of hydrophobic materials and adequately rough geometry of these natural surfaces can lead to stable composite states. Furthermore, based on a set of criteria, we find that the dual scales of the hierarchical structure for surface geometry can guarantee not only wetting but also suitable mechanical characteristics. This study provides a mechanistic/thermodynamic explanation of how nature has developed a mechanically durable superhydrophobic surface, which can be an inspiration for the fabrication of artificial surfaces. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2008.
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spelling curtin-20.500.11937-203442017-09-13T13:48:14Z Hierarchical structures for natural superhydrophobic surfaces Li, Wei Amirfazli, A. Superhydrophobicity of natural surfaces has recently been studied intensively with the aim of designing artificial surfaces. However, the role of hierarchical structures in such surfaces has not been completely understood. Based on thermodynamic free energy analysis, we reveal that the harmonious combination of hydrophobic materials and adequately rough geometry of these natural surfaces can lead to stable composite states. Furthermore, based on a set of criteria, we find that the dual scales of the hierarchical structure for surface geometry can guarantee not only wetting but also suitable mechanical characteristics. This study provides a mechanistic/thermodynamic explanation of how nature has developed a mechanically durable superhydrophobic surface, which can be an inspiration for the fabrication of artificial surfaces. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2008. 2008 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/20344 10.1039/b715731b RSC Publishing restricted
spellingShingle Li, Wei
Amirfazli, A.
Hierarchical structures for natural superhydrophobic surfaces
title Hierarchical structures for natural superhydrophobic surfaces
title_full Hierarchical structures for natural superhydrophobic surfaces
title_fullStr Hierarchical structures for natural superhydrophobic surfaces
title_full_unstemmed Hierarchical structures for natural superhydrophobic surfaces
title_short Hierarchical structures for natural superhydrophobic surfaces
title_sort hierarchical structures for natural superhydrophobic surfaces
url http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/20344