New hydrophobic metal makes water drops in the rubber balls

Water is one of the foundations of our life. But sometimes people need materials that in any situation would remain dry even in the pouring rain. One of the solutions in this area have offered researchers from the University of Rochester.

Scientists using fine laser engraving was able to create a metal surface that literally repels water droplets like rubber balls. In the video you can see this amazing phenomenon that is captured by macro photography.

Of course, in the world there are many different hydrophobic materials, but none of them can match the strength with this metal. This makes the present invention suitable for use, for example, in the manufacture of aircraft wings, which will not be covered with ice during the flight. Applications of material is very wide.

Another advantage of the new material is that the laser engraving is just part of metal, so it will not go off with time, as is the case with hydrophobic coatings chemical based.

Most often hydrophobic coatings are used in our everyday life as a protective coating cookware. We've all seen hydrophobic pans, from which the water flows down, almost without leaving a trace. All this aims to ensure that the surface is dry and clean from all sorts of bacteria.

And in this video you can find out more about the new material directly from the researchers who developed it. The narrator is a Professor of optics Chunlei Guo. Also in the video we can see our compatriot Anatoly Vorobyov, who is one of the authors of this scientific discovery and is also a Professor at the University of Rochester.



The researchers dream to create a strong and accessible hydrophobic material, which can be used to make many everyday household items. Including toilets for countries that are experiencing water shortages. If not waste water on the flush – you can seriously reduce its consumption. And the toilet it will still remain dry and clean from contamination.

Source: hi-news.ru