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Updated: Jul 27, 2025
11:20
Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Metal Surfaces for Anti-Icing Applications
Published on: August 15, 2018
8.6K
Hyper-anti-freezing bionic functional surface to -90°C
Zhaolong Wang1, Mingzhu Xie1, Qing Guo2
1Interdisciplinary Research Center of Low-carbon Technology and Equipment, College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Hunan University, 1 South Lushan, Changsha 410082, PR China.
PNAS Nexus
|June 9, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel bionic surface inspired by beetle elytra that directs liquid penetration, significantly reducing icing. This advanced material offers rapid liquid transport even at -90°C, outperforming freezing times.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
- Biomimetics
Background:
- The freezing phenomenon poses significant challenges across various applications.
- Existing de-icing methods include lowering freezing points, raising surface temperatures, and mechanical de-icing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel functional surface for directional liquid penetration to mitigate icing.
- To mimic the structural and functional properties of beetle elytra for advanced material design.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a bionic functional surface using projection microstereolithography (PµSL) 3D printing.
- Tailoring surface wettability on opposing sides using TiO2 nanoparticle sizing agent.
- Investigating directional liquid droplet penetration dynamics at cryogenic temperatures.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated directional liquid penetration: water droplets moved from hydrophobic to superhydrophilic sides within 20 ms.
- Liquid penetration was effectively blocked in the opposite direction.
- The penetration time was significantly shorter than the freezing time, even at -90°C.
Conclusions:
- The bionic functional surface exhibits rapid, directional liquid transport capabilities.
- This technology shows promise for applications requiring efficient liquid management in extreme cold.
- Potential applications include hyper-anti-fogging/freezing devices, liquid collection, and condensation management.
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