Superhydrophobic surfaces show ‘world-record effectiveness’

Superhydrophobic surfaces are extremely useful for antimicrobial coatings because bacteria, viruses and other pathogens cannot hold on to their surfaces. Such surfaces are, however, susceptible to cuts, scratches or dents that can trap liquids and render the coatings ineffective.

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The research - featured in Nature – is said to have designed superhydrophobic surfaces that can be made from metal, glass, or ceramic. The superhydrophobic properties of the surface come from nano-sized structures spread over it. The surface of the material is patterned with a honeycomb-like structure of tiny inverted pyramids. The water-repellent chemical is then coated on the inside the honeycomb. This prevents any liquid from sticking to the surface, and the delicate chemical coating is protected from damage by the pyramid's walls.

"The armour can be made from almost any material, it's the interconnection of the surface frame that makes it strong and rigid," said Professor Robin Ras, a physicist at Aalto University whose research group was part of the project. "We made the armour with honeycombs of different sizes, shapes and materials. The beauty of this result is that it is a generic concept that fits for many different materials, giving us the flexibility to design a wide range of durable waterproof surfaces."