Web Release Date: March 1,
Petal Effect: A Superhydrophobic State with High Adhesive Force
and
Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, P. R. China, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130023, P. R. China, and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100080, P. R. China
Received December 6, 2007
In Final Form: January 23, 2008
Abstract:
Hierarchical micropapillae and nanofolds are known to exist on the petals' surfaces of red roses. These micro- and nanostructures provide a sufficient roughness for superhydrophobicity and yet at the same time a high adhesive force with water. A water droplet on the surface of the petal appears spherical in shape, which cannot roll off even when the petal is turned upside down. We define this phenomenon as the "petal effect" as compared with the popular "lotus effect". Artificial fabrication of biomimic polymer films, with well-defined nanoembossed structures obtained by duplicating the petal's surface, indicates that the superhydrophobic surface and the adhesive petal are in Cassie impregnating wetting state.
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