Fabrication of a superhydrophobic surface with underwater air-retaining properties by electrostatic flocking. Issue 20 (19th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zheng, Yawen; Zhou, Xiang; Xing, Zhiqi; Tu, Tianmin
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 8:Issue 20(2018)
• Page Start: 10719
• Page End: 10726
• Publication Date: 2018-03-19
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c7ra13262j
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : A flocking sample with underwater air-trapping abilities mimicking the Salvinia molesta leaf was fabricated and evaluated. Abstract : The aquatic fern salvinia can retain an air layer on its hairy leaf surface when submerged under water, which is an inspiration for biomimetic applications like drag reduction. In this research, an electrostatic flocking technique is used to produce a hairy surface to mimic the air-trapping performance of the salvinia leaf. Viscose and nylon flocks with different sizes were selected. A volumetric method was established to analyze the air-retaining performance of the flocking samples, Salvinia molesta and lotus leaves as well. Through air volume change analyses, it is found that another factor that can affect the Salvinia molesta air-retaining ability is the curving of the leaf under water. A flocking sample fabricated by a kind of nylon flock is demonstrated to have a comparable air-retaining ability under static conditions as a Salvinia molesta leaf in its flat form.