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The Salvinia Paradox: Superhydrophobic Surfaces with Hydrophilic Pins for Air Retention Under Water
Author(s) -
Barthlott Wilhelm,
Schimmel Thomas,
Wiersch Sabine,
Koch Kerstin,
Brede Martin,
Barczewski Matthias,
Walheim Stefan,
Weis Aaron,
Kaltenmaier Anke,
Leder Alfred,
Bohn Holger F.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.200904411
Subject(s) - materials science , air water , nanotechnology , layer (electronics) , water retention , air layer , chemical engineering , environmental science , soil water , soil science , physics , mechanics , engineering
A novel mechanism for long‐term air retention under water is found in the sophisticated surface design of the water fern Salvinia . Its floating leaves are evenly covered with complex hydrophobic hairs retaining a layer of air when submerged under water. Surprisingly the terminal cells of the hairs are hydrophilic. These hydrophilic patches stabilize the air layer by pinning the air–water interface. This “Salvinia Effect” provides an innovative concept to develop biomimetic surfaces with long‐term air‐retention capabilities for under water applications. © Martin Oeggerli / www.Micronaut.ch, original SEM scan by Prof. Barthlott.