Slippery Rough Surfaces
ID# 2014-4286
Technology Summary
This novel liquid-repellant surface design can maintain droplet mobility in both the Cassie and Wenzel states, by reducing the ‘pinning’ effect of the Wenzel state through the use of lubricants. The inventors used a microscopically-thin conformal layer of lubricant on the surface nanotextures to smoothen the sharp edges of the surface texture. This reduces immobility by reduced pinning effect.
Application & Market Utility
Owing to the high surface area relative, the slippery rough surface enhibits enhanced drop nucleation and coalescence, resulting in faster droplet removal. The slippery rough surface is also efficient in separating oils from an emulsion due to its superoleophilic nature. It also prevents fouling as an added advantage due to the extremely slippery nature which rids itself of all the oil during recovery, with bare minimal cleaning requirements. The longevity of the surface is also good when appropriate lubricant properties are chosen.
Next Steps
Applications may include fog harvesting, dropwise condensation, oil condensation, oil/water separation, anti-icing/frosting device, anti-fouling surfaces and drag reducing surfaces.