Superhydrophobic surfaces have important technical applications ranging from self-cleaning window glasses, paints, and fabrics to low-friction surfaces. The archetype superhydrophobic surface is that of the lotus leaf. When rain falls on lotus leaves, water beads up with a contact angle in the superhydrophobic range of about 160°. The water drops promptly roll off the leaves collecting dirt along the way. This lotus effect has, in recent years, stimulated much research effort worldwide in the fabrication of surfaces with superhydrophobicity. But, is the lotus surface truly superhydrophobic? This work shows that the lotus leaves can be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic, depending on how the water gets on to their surfaces. This finding has significant ramifications on how to make and use superhydrophobic surfaces.
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4 April 2005
Research Article|
March 30 2005
Is the lotus leaf superhydrophobic?
Yang-Tse Cheng;
Yang-Tse Cheng
a)
Materials and Processes Laboratory, General Motors Research and Development Center
, Warren, Michigan 48090
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Daniel E. Rodak
Daniel E. Rodak
Ricardo Meda Technical Services
, LLC., Southfield, Michigan 48075
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a)
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; electronic mail: yang.t.cheng@gm.com
Appl. Phys. Lett. 86, 144101 (2005)
Article history
Received:
October 15 2004
Accepted:
February 11 2005
Citation
Yang-Tse Cheng, Daniel E. Rodak; Is the lotus leaf superhydrophobic?. Appl. Phys. Lett. 4 April 2005; 86 (14): 144101. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1895487
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