Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a set of nanotextured amorphous silica-based materials, coatings, thin films, and surface treatments that are so water repellent that they have the ability to fundamentally change how liquid water interacts with surfaces and coatings. This talk will describe the nature and basics of superhydrophobicity, the history of ORNL's superhydrophobic research activities, our latest advancements in superhydrophobic optical quality and durability, and a discussion of possible commercial applications. Some examples of what will be discussed include: How ORNL created the world's most water repellant surface, how we went from small, expensive SH discs, to �dirt cheap� SH coatings and surface treatments, our clear SH coating development effort. And, I will show and explain the Moses Effect.I will also discuss the following potential applications: Watercraft drag reduction; Anti-corrosion of equipment; Anti-biofouling of submerged sensors and equipment; Anti-icing on aircraft wings; and Keeping clothing completely dry and breathable in normally wet environments.

ORNL's superhydrophobic (SH) technology

245th National Meeting (2013)

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