Snakeskin-Inspired Self-Healing Hydrophobic Surface

May-04-17 A new self-healing, hydrophobic surface inspired by snakeskin repairs itself by molting.

Typically, the most successful superhydrophobic materials are vulnerable to scratching, which can defeat their function.

Developed by a team at the University of Freiburg, the new material overcomes the fragility of current options with its three-layer makeup. The top layer is made up of a hydrophobic nanograss film, followed by a water-soluble polymer, and then a superhydrophobic silicon nanograss film at the bottom. Theoretically, if the top layer of the material is scratched, it can be placed in water to dissolve the middle polymer layer and expose the fresh, underlying hydrophobic layer.

More Info about this Invention:

[NEWATLAS.COM]
[ACS.ORG]

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