Watch water droplets literally jump off a ‘water-hating’ material
By Robert F. ServiceDec. 18, 2017 , 12:00 PM
Insects that walk on the surface of ponds and self-cleaning lotus leaves are just two examples of the myriad ways nature has devised surfaces that are ultra–water-repellant. Researchers have devised their own versions of what are known as superhydrophobic surfaces. Typically these are made up of microscale or nanoscale spikes, which repel droplets landing on top, and can even cause tiny droplets to leap off the surface. But the approach doesn’t always work. If water vapor gets in between spikes as it condenses, it can hold droplets down. In a new study, researchers crafted a 3D network of vertically aligned copper nanowires.
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/12/watch-water-droplets-literally-jump-water-hating-material
