Fluid-Permeable Body Having a Superhydrophobic Surface

Abstract

Apparatus including a rigid fluid-permeable body, having a first non-planar fluid-permeable body surface, and having a second fluid-permeable body surface; a plurality of fluid-permeable cells in the fluid-permeable body; and a plurality of raised micro-scale features on the first fluid-permeable body surface. Apparatus including a fluid-permeable body having first and second fluid-permeable body surfaces; a plurality of fluid-permeable cells in the fluid-permeable body; a plurality of raised micro-scale features on the first fluid-permeable body surface; and a fluid containment body forming, together with the second fluid-permeable body surface, a second fluid containment structure. Methods, utilizing an apparatus, of treating a liquid with a fluid, and of maintaining a superhydrophobic surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates generally to structures having superhydrophobic surfaces, and processes for their fabrication.[0003]2. Related Art[0004]Hydrophobic structures are known for their ability to repel high surface tension liquids such as water. Some hydrophobic structures have been made that include a plurality of raised features that are spaced apart by interstices and held in positions relative to each other on a substrate. These raised features may take the form of various shapes, including posts, blades, spikes, and ridges. When a liquid having a sufficiently high surface tension makes contact with the surface of such a hydrophobic structure, the liquid may form an interface with the surface of the hydrophobic structure at a local contact angle sufficiently high so that the liquid does not immediately penetrate into the interstices. Such a surface is then described as being “superhydrophobic”.[0005]Despite these d...

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