Continuous droplet removal upon dropwise condensation of humid air on a hydrophobic micropatterned surface.

ABSTRACT: Combination of two physical phenomena, capillary pressure gradient and wettability gradient, allows a simple two-step fabrication process that yields a reliable hydrophobic self-cleaning condenser surface. The surface is fabricated with specific microscopic topography and further treatment with a chemically inert low-surface-energy material. This process does not require growth of nanofeatures (nanotubes) or hydrophilic-hydrophobic patterning of the surface. Trapezoidal geometry of the microfeatures facilitates droplet transfer from the Wenzel to the Cassie state and reduces droplet critical diameter. The geometry of the micropatterns enhances local coalescence and directional movement for droplets with diameter much smaller than the radial length of the micropatterns. The hydrophobic self

SUBMITTER: Zamuruyev KO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4148149 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature