Research analysis of superhydrophobic bionic prototype preparation technology

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surface can cause a water droplet to show a static contact angle >150° and a sliding angle <10°, which is widely used in many engineering fields, such as self-cleaning, anti-corrosion, hydrophobic ice suppression and ship drag reduction. Based on bionic engineering principle, scholars have comprehensively researched many typical superhydrophobic bionic prototypes, with the purpose of obtaining the theoretical basis for the superhydrophobic surface development. In this review, based on the typical prototypes (animals and plants) of showing the phenomena of superhydrophobic wettability, the effect of morphology/structure characteristics on the superhydrophobic wettability properties is reviewed, and mathematical models used to quantify superhydrophobic wettability of material surface are introduced. We especially focus on the recent progress in bionic preparation technology of superhydrophobic surface, mainly including traditional preparation methods and 3D printing technology, and wettability quantification of fabricated superhydrophobic surface. Meanwhile, we point that low cost, large area and durable effect of bionic superhydrophobic surface are the important development direction in near future. This review enriches the further understanding of superhydrophobic wettability, and promotes the development of new ideas, new methods and new technologies in superhydrophobic surface preparation.

Keywords

• material surface and interface; wettability; bionic prototype; 3d printing technology; superhydrophobic surface