Fabrication and Characterization of Low-Cost Superhydrophobic Coatings

摘要

Most previous studies dedicated to modeling and testing drag reduction and stability of the air-water interface on submerged superhydrophobic surfaces were conducted using microfabricated coatings produced by placing hydrophobic microposts/microridges arranged in aligned or staggered configurations on a small-scale flat surface. In this paper, we numerically model and experimentally characterize the performance of superhydrophobic surfaces made either using AC-electrospun fibers or random deposition of hydrophobic particles. Such fabrication methods are far less expensive than microfabrication, bringing the technology closer to large-scale submerged bodies such as submarines and ships.