Particle based superhydrophobic surfaces: Lab models-to-field sample behaviour
Lead Research Organisation:
Nottingham Trent University
Department Name: School of Science & Technology
Abstract
Extreme water-repellence is found when the effects of hydrophobic surface chemistry are amplified by topography. The self-cleaning Lotus leaf is structured so that water droplets bead up and roll-off taking dust and pathogens with them, whilst the Water Strider covers its legs with oriented needle-shaped microsetae with elaborate nanogrooves so that it can walk on water. Materials' Scientists find inspiration from this living world of plants and insects, but less well-known is that the natural environment also contains an inanimate system that can become completely water-repellent. Soil can exhibit extreme water-repellence following the release of hydrophobic compounds from a range of plants, or following fires, oil spills or irrigation with grey water. Soil particles thus become coated with hydrophobic compounds and behave as a hydrophobic material with a super water-repellent surface. Surfaces composed of these particles can rearrange and restructure under the action of surface tension to a degree not observed with the superhydrophobic surfaces of plants and insects. In this project, we will experimentally investigate model systems of hydrophobic granular materials and their naturally occurring analogues. Our focus will be on the conditions under which a material transforms from a wettable and porous material into one that is super water-repellent. We will study how evaporating droplets reshape the surface and how a rolling droplet transports hydrophobic particles. Our project will create model reconfigurable superhydrophobic surfaces and investigate their natural occurrence and so provide design principles for new materials and a better understanding of the natural environment.
Organisations
Publications
Atherton S
(2016)
Drop impact behaviour on alternately hydrophobic and hydrophilic layered bead packs
in Chemical Engineering Research and Design
Hamlett C
(2013)
Transitions of water-drop impact behaviour on hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles
in European Journal of Soil Science
Hamlett CA
(2011)
Effect of particle size on droplet infiltration into hydrophobic porous media as a model of water repellent soil.
in Environmental science & technology
Hamlett CA
(2011)
Passive water control at the surface of a superhydrophobic lichen.
in Planta
McHale G
(2015)
Liquid marbles: topical context within soft matter and recent progress.
in Soft matter
| Description | In this project, we experimentally investigated model systems of hydrophobic granular materials and their naturally occurring water repellent soil analogues. Our focus was on the conditions under which a material transforms from a wettable and porous material into one that is super water-repellent. We studied droplet penetration into bead packs (model hydrophobic soils) and derived analytical formulae for capillary dominated imbibition. We studied impact of droplets onto model and real granular surfaces and the effect on grain ejection and transport and splash erosion. |
| Exploitation Route | The research improves understanding of erosion processes including the after effects of wild-fires, which leave some types of soil hydrophobic, and use of grey water in irrigation. The research contributes to understanding liquid penetration into filters and granular systems. It could therefore be used in a wide variety of situations which involve capillary effects including filters and gravel beds. |
| Sectors | Environment,Other |
| URL | http://www.naturesraincoats.com/ |
| Description | The findings have been mainly academic, but have also influenced understanding on soil slope stability after wild fires. Some influenced industry through water repellent textiles. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2009 |
| Sector | Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | 2014 Conference - World Congress on Soil Science (Jeju city, South Korea) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Research Poster - "The role of particle shape and texture in amplifying hydrophobic behaviour of the soil-water interface", Ahn et al, 8th June 2014 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.20wcss.org/ |
| Description | 2015 Conference - 7th International Granulation Workshop (Sheffield, UK) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Research Talk - "Drop impact behaviour on alternately hydrophobic and hydrophilic layered bead packs, Atherton et al, 1st July 2015 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/agglom/2015 |
| Description | 2016 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the East Midlands Big Bang Fair (Derby, UK) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 2016 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the East Midlands Big Bang Fair (Derby, UK) 30/06/ 2016 EP/L026899/1, EP/L026619/1, EP/L026341/1, EP/K014803/1, EP/K015192/1, EP/H000704/1, EP/E063489/1 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/ |
| Description | 2017 Conference - European Geoscience Union General Assembly (SSS9.20/BG9.62/HS11.57: Interdisciplinary approaches to understanding natural, biological and manmade water repellency) (Vienna, Austria) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 2017 Conference - European Geoscience Union General Assembly (SSS9.20/BG9.62/HS11.57: Interdisciplinary approaches to understanding natural, biological and manmade water repellency) (Vienna, Austria) 24/4/2017 Invited Research Talk - Engineering Extreme Hydrophobic and Super Slippery Water Shedding Surfaces Glen McHale Soil grant, Platform Grant, EP/K014803/1 and EP/K015192/1 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://www.egu2017.eu/ |
| Description | 2017 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at Science in the Park (Nottingham, UK) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 2017 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at Science in the Park (Nottingham, UK) Event - 2017 Public Understanding - Science in the Park, 2017 What - Natures Raincoat's - High-throughput interactive table-top activity How many - Estimated 500+ individuals, all ages Reach - Nottinghamshire Who - General Public Date - 18th March, 2017 Description - A family day of science at Wollaton Hall, Nottinghamshire, attended by individuals of all ages and all levels of knowledge. The activity ran from 09:00 until 15:30 and was constantly busy with engaged members of the public, both young and older. The British Science Association, who ran the event, said that feedback was excellent and all enjoyed the day. We have been invited back this year. Outcome - Communication of the research and promoting science to younger members of the public Digital ID - http://nottsbsa.org/science-park-2017/ Assorted EPSRC related to smart surfaces research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://nottsbsa.org/science-park-2017/ |
| Description | 2017 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the Bluecoat STEM Festival (Nottingham, UK) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 2017 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the Bluecoat STEM Festival (Nottingham, UK) Event - 2017 Public Understanding - Bluecoat STEM Festival, 2017 What - Natures Raincoat's - High-throughput interactive table-top activity How many - Estimated around 200 individuals, mostly young Reach - Nottingham Who - General Public/School Children Date - 8th July, 2017 Description - A STEM festival at a local Nottinghamshire school attended by young school pupils and their families. The activity ran from 09:00 until 15:30 and was constantly busy with engaged young people. We have been invited back this year. Outcome - Communication of the research and promoting science to younger members of the public Digital ID - https://www.facebook.com/events/1719896088312672/ Assorted EPSRC related to smart surfaces research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://www.facebook.com/events/1719896088312672/ |
| Description | 2017 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the East Midlands Big Bang Fair (Derby, UK) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 2017 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the East Midlands Big Bang Fair (Derby, UK) 29/06/ 2017 Assorted EPSRC related to smart surfaces research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://nearme.thebigbangfair.co.uk/regions/ |
| Description | 2017 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the NTU Global Councillors Conference (Nottingham, UK) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 2017 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the NTU Global Councillors Conference (Nottingham, UK) Event - 2017 Public Understanding - NTU Global Councillors Conference, 2017 What - Natures Raincoat's - 40 minute interactive presentation How many - 43 international delegates, all adult Reach - Global (Kenya, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Nigeria, Sudan, Mauritius, Malawi, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea, India, Bangladesh, Jordan, Egypt, Oman) Who - Supporters/Charitable donors Date - 29th November, 2017 Description - 43 international delegates attended a 3 day conference, to which Nature's Raincoats was invited to present a 40 minute interactive show on the first day. All members of the audience engaged with the activity, volunteering and answering questions. It was provided that the demonstration was "the star of the show", and was reported to have been talked about until the last day. We have been invited back this year. Outcome - Communication of the research and raising of contributing establishments profile globally. Assorted EPSRC related to smart surfaces research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | 2017 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the North East Big Bang Fair (Newcastle, UK) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 2017 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the North East Big Bang Fair (Newcastle, UK) 14/07/ 2017 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://nearme.thebigbangfair.co.uk/regions/ |
| Description | 2017 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the St Paul's Church Fete (Nottingham, UK) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 2017 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the St Paul's Church Fete (Nottingham, UK) Event - 2017 Public Understanding - St Paul's Church Fete, 2017 What - Natures Raincoat's - High-throughput interactive table-top activity How many - Estimated 150 individuals, all ages Reach - Nottingham Who - General Public Date - 15th July, 2017 Description - A well-attended church fete, from 14:00 to 16:00 in a collaboration with the Institute of Physics, East Midlands Branch, which was well received and well engaged. Indicators suggest that about 150 members of the public directly engaged with the Nature's Raincoats stand, which was alongside an IoP stand. All visitors were vocally impressed by the activity. Outcome - Communication of the research and promotion of science among the wider community. Assorted EPSRC related to smart surfaces research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | 2017 Seminar - Department of Civil Engineering at University of Hong Kong (University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | 2016 Seminar - Department of Civil Engineering at University of Hong Kong (University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong) 09/01/2017 Liquid Adventures with Smart Surfaces: "From Extreme Water Repellency to Drag Reduction and Slippery Surfaces" Glen McHale EP/L026899/1, EP/L026619/1, EP/L026341/1, EP/H000704/1, EP/G057265/1, EP/E063489/1, EP/D500826/1, EP/C509161/1, GR/R02184/01 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | 2018 Institute of Physics NE Branch Public Understanding Talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 2018 Institute of Physics NE Branch Public Understanding Talk Nature's Raincoats - Surface Inspiration from Lotus Leaves to Pitcher Plants (Northumbria University, UK) 26/10/18 Glen McHale |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | 2018 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the East Midlands Big Bang Fair (Derby, UK) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 2018 Public Understanding - "Nature's Raincoats" at the East Midlands Big Bang Fair (Derby, UK) 28/06/ 2018 Physical exhibition with demonstrations |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | 2018 Seminar - Oxford Centre for Industrial & Applied Mathematics (Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Oxford University) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | 2018 Seminar - Oxford Centre for Industrial & Applied Mathematics (Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Oxford University) 22nd February 2018 2018 Seminar - Smart Slippery Surfaces Glen McHale Superhydrophobicity, Liquid Marbles, New Leidenfrost Engine and EP/L026899/1, EP/L026619/1, EP/L026341/1, EP/K014803/1 and EP/K015192/1 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/node/26965 |
| Description | BBC Radio 4 The Material World (BBC, London, 2007) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | BBC Radio 4 Programme The Material World 29th November 2007 General public interest |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007 |
| URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/thematerialworld_20071129.shtml |
| Description | BBC Radio Nottingham (Nottingham, 2009) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | General public interest |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2009 |
| Description | Cafe Scientifique - Water: A tale of two surfaces (2009) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | TBC |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
| Description | Nature's Raincoats at BBC Summer of Wildlife (BBC, Cardiff, 2013) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Enthusing people Not aware |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Nature's Raincoats at British Science Festival (Newcastle upon Tyne, 2013) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Enthusing people Not aware |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Nature's Raincoats at Techfest (Mumbai, India, 2010) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Travelling version of Nature's Raincoats Exhibition taken to Mumbai, India (by invitation). Unaware |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |
| URL | http://www.naturesraincoats.com/ |
| Description | Nature's Raincoats at Techfest (Mumbai, India, 2012) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Invited appearance of Nature's Raincoats Exhibit as Techfest 2012 in Mumbai, India. TBC |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| URL | http://www.naturesraincoats.com/ |
| Description | Nature's Raincoats at The Royal Society (London, 2009) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Public understanding exhibition at The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2009. Physical exhibition with accompanying website. Enthusing people |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
| URL | http://www.naturesraincoats.com/ |
| Description | Nature's Raincoats at The Times Cheltenham Science Festival (Cheltenham, 2010) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Invited appearance of the Nature's Raincoats Exhibit at The Time Cheltenham Science Festival. Sponsored by EPSRC. TBC |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |
| URL | http://www.naturesraincoats.com/ |
| Description | Nature's Raincoats at the Big Bang Fair (London, 2013) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Nature's Raincoats Exhibit at the National Big Bang Fair. TBC |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| URL | http://www.naturesraincoats.com/ |
| Description | Shaping Liquids, Controlling Surfaces (NE IoP, 2014) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | TBC |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | The Royal Institution Family Fun Day (London, 2014) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Families attended No known |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Water: A Tale of two surfaces (Public Lecture UNN, 2013) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | TBC |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |