Superhydrophobic Applications
Superhydrophobic surfaces can be very useful in the right circumstances. (RDC 11/2/2011)
“Despite these developments, superhydrophobic surfaces formed on raised features often require careful attention to maintaining a low pressure applied to the raised features by the liquid, to delay breakdown of the superhydrophobic repelling force and resultant penetration of the liquid through the surface and into the interstices between the raised features. The requirement of such a low pressure may prevent utilization of such superhydrophobic surfaces in environments where a fluid needs to flow over the surfaces, because such a flow may generate significant pressure on the surfaces. Moreover, superhydrophobic surface behavior has been explored for a limited scope of end use applications. Expansion of such end uses may facilitate new ways of handling liquids.” [Lyons and Mullins, US Patent 8,047,235 (11/1/2011)
Recent US Patents
11/1/2011
8,047,235
Fluid-permeable body having a superhydrophobic surface
Lyons and Mullins of Alcatel Lucent, France, have developed a fluid-permeable body having first and second fluid-permeable body surfaces with fluid-permeable cells in the fluid-permeable body; raised micro-scale features on the first fluid-permeable body surface; and a fluid containment body forming, together with the second fluid-permeable body surface, a second fluid containment structure. This system enables treating a liquid with a fluid while maintaining a superhydrophobic surface. (RDC 11/1/2011)