A current reserach aims to investigate and compare the behavior of droplets of different volumes on hydrophilic and superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) under the effect of air shear flow. The results reveal that the effect of droplet volume on wetting length in the case of a hydrophilic surface is different from that in the case of SHS. On hydrophilic surfaces, droplets with larger volumes exhibit greater wetting length and adhesion, whereas on SHSs, these parameters are similar regardless of droplet volume. Additionally, airflow velocity is one of the critical factors for shear-driven droplet behavior on SHS. At an airspeed of 5 m/s, droplets slide on the SHS; however, they roll on the surface at an airspeed of 15 m/s.
The research has been published in Journal of Coatings Technology and Research in December 2023.

Event tip: EC Conference Functional Coatings & Nanotechnology

Discover the future of coating technology! Will functional coatings help us achieve our climate goals? How do nanoscale materials change coating properties? Find out from leading experts at the EC Conference Functional Coatings & Nanotechnology, taking place on April 9th – 10th, 2024 in Cologne. Register now and be part of the discussion on the latest trends and breakthroughs.