Superhydrophobicity and Contact-Line Issues

The wettability of several superhydrophobic surfaces that were prepared recently by simple, mostly single-step methods is described and compared with the wettability of surfaces that are less hydrophobic. We explain why two length scales of topography can be important for controlling the hydrophobicity of some surfaces (the lotus effect). Contact-angle hysteresis (difference between the advancing, θ A , and receding, θ R , contact angles) is discussed and explained, particularly with regard to its contribution to water repellency. Perfect hydrophobicity (θ A /θ R = 180°/180°) and a method for distinguishing perfectly hydrophobic surfaces from those that are almost perfectly hydrophobic are described and discussed. The Wenzel and Cassie theories, both of which involve analysis of interfacial (solid/liquid) areas and not contact lines, are criticized. Each of these related topics is addressed from the perspective of the three-phase (solid/liquid/vapor) contact line and its dynamics. The energy barriers for movement of the three-phase contact line from one metastable state to another control contact-angle hysteresis and, thus, water repellency.