Method for Commercial Production of Super-Hydrophobic Materials

Summary

UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel method for industrial production of super-hydrophobic material.

Background

Hydrophobic materials are used in all aspects of daily life. For example surfaces of metal instruments, electrical instruments, cardboard packaging and clothing need to be water repellent. Coating the surface with hydrophobic materials can prevent water damage. However, it adds to the cost and is prone to failure and so far no material has been developed that is repellent to all known liquids such as acids, oils and polar solvents.

Innovation

UCLA researchers have developed a novel method to make any material super-hydrophobic. Their proposed molding-based microfabrication method can be used for mass production of super hydrophobic materials. The method is compatible with common industrial techniques and can be easily translated for commercial use.

Applications

• Production of super-hydrophobic materials for electrical equipment
• Production of super-hydrophobic metal materials for marine equipment
• Production of oil and water repelling material for aerospace equipment

Advantages

• Low cost
• Scalable for industrial production
• Compatible with any material including glass, metals and polymers
• Material remains hydrophobic even at elevated temperatures of 1000 °C

Related Materials

• T. Liu and C.-J. Kim, “Turning a Surface Super-Repellent Even to Completely Wetting Liquids”, Science, 2014

Patent Status