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LASER TECHNOLOGY ENABLES SUPER-HYDROPHOBIC SURFACE

Water Bouncing on Metal

Water literally bouncing on a metal surface is an image we’re not used to seeing. Yet a team of scientists at the University of Rochester, New York achieved this very feat of engineering . Led by scientist Chunlei Guo, the team has found a way to use laser patterning techniques in order to transform metals into super-hydrophobic materials. This could come in handy in numerous areas: from rust prevention to preventing ice forming on the wings of an aircraft.

After working on a laser technique that turned one metal into a super-hydrophilic material (one which attracts water) Chunlei Guo then decided to work on the opposite side of the process. One major perk of this technique is its durability. Indeed, this would avoid the use of chemical coatings which become less efficient over time. But as we know a picture paints a thousand words, so imagine what a video can do:

Staying Dry in a World Covered with Water

Details

  • Rochester, NY, United States
  • University of Rochester