Researchers developed hydrophobic metals using laser Engineers have spent decades studying super-hydrophobic surfaces because of the plethora of real-life applications. And while some of this research has resulted in commercial products that keep shoes dry or prevent oil from building up on bolts, scientists are also aiming to uncovering characteristics that might lead to large-scale solutions for society.
Researchers from the University of Rochester have developed a method to make metals hydrophobic or waterproof when they are treated with lasers.
Researchers have found that repetitive laser blasts on the metal surface develop specific patterns that repel water efficiently. A closer look at the surface reflects micro and nanoscale structures which causes water to bead effectively.
�The material is so strongly water-repellent, the water actually gets bounced off. Then it lands on the surface again, gets bounced off again, and then it will just roll off from the surface,� Chunlei Guo, a professor of optics at Rochester, explained in a recent news release.
These laser treated surfaces are highly absorbent of heat and light as well. Researchers say that this could be useful in the creation of rust-free solar panels that capture the sun energy and don�t have to be cleaned as often.
�Some potential applications for anti-icing surfaces include protection of aerofoils, power transmission lines, pipes of air conditioners and refrigerators, and radar or telecommunication antennas,� the researchers wrote about their findings.
Guo and his colleagues were also the ones who have previously designed materials that are hydrophilic � able to absorb water extremely quickly and efficiently.