Artificial Surfaces
Inspired by the surface features observed in nature – in both plants and animals – researchers have made a range of artificial surfaces which manipulate solid/liquid interface properties. Such surfaces can be made to be superhydrophobic. This is similar ways to which the leaves of cabbage and Lady’s Mantle are superhydrophobic for example. Other surfaces can be made to be highly water-shedding, such as in the Nepenthes pitcher plant.
By following the links below, you can see how a selection of surfaces can be manufactured that are either superhydrophobic or highly water-shedding. We also show how experiments on these surfaces illustrate superhydrophobic or water-shedding properties. This helps us get a better understanding of the science behind these surfaces, as well as pointing towards potential commercial applications.
