scholarly journals Superhydrophobicity in perfection: the outstanding properties of the lotus leaf

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 152-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans J Ensikat ◽  
Petra Ditsche-Kuru ◽  
Christoph Neinhuis ◽  
Wilhelm Barthlott
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Water Repellency ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Dense Layer ◽  
Lotus Effect ◽  
Nano Structure ◽  
Lotus Leaf ◽  
Water Drops ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Unique Chemical

Lotus leaves have become an icon for superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning surfaces, and have led to the concept of the ‘Lotus effect’. Although many other plants have superhydrophobic surfaces with almost similar contact angles, the lotus shows better stability and perfection of its water repellency. Here, we compare the relevant properties such as the micro- and nano-structure, the chemical composition of the waxes and the mechanical properties of lotus with its competitors. It soon becomes obvious that the upper epidermis of the lotus leaf has developed some unrivaled optimizations. The extraordinary shape and the density of the papillae are the basis for the extremely reduced contact area between surface and water drops. The exceptional dense layer of very small epicuticular wax tubules is a result of their unique chemical composition. The mechanical robustness of the papillae and the wax tubules reduce damage and are the basis for the perfection and durability of the water repellency. A reason for the optimization, particularly of the upper side of the lotus leaf, can be deduced from the fact that the stomata are located in the upper epidermis. Here, the impact of rain and contamination is higher than on the lower epidermis. The lotus plant has successfully developed an excellent protection for this delicate epistomatic surface of its leaves.

scholarly journals Air retaining grids—a novel technology to maintain stable air layers under water for drag reduction

2019 ◽  
Vol 377 (2150) ◽  
pp. 20190126 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Mail ◽  
M. Moosmann ◽  
P. Häger ◽  
W. Barthlott
Keyword(s):  
Drag Reduction ◽  
Stable Solution ◽  
Water Repellency ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Water Repellent ◽  
Lotus Effect ◽  
Ship Hulls ◽  
First Results ◽  
Air Layers ◽  
Micro Pillars

Extreme water repellent ‘superhydrophobic’ surfaces evolved in plants and animals about 450 Ma: a combination of hydrophobic chemistry and hierarchical structuring causes contact angles of greater than 150°. Technical biomimetic applications and technologies for water repellency, self-cleaning (Lotus Effect) and drag reduction (Salvinia Effect) have become increasingly important in the last two decades. Drag reduction (e.g. for ship hulls) requires the presence of a rather thick and persistent air layer under water. All existing technical solutions are based on fragile elastic hairs, micro-pillars or other solitary structures, preferably with undercuts (Salvinia Effect). We propose and provide experimental data for a novel alternative technology to trap persistent air layers by superhydrophobic grids or meshes superimposed to the solid surface: AirGrids. AirGrids provide a simple and stable solution to generate air trapping surfaces for drag reduction under water as demonstrated by first prototypes. Different architectural solutions, including possible recovery techniques for the air layer under hydrodynamic conditions, are discussed. The most promising target backed by first results is the combination of Air Retaining Grids with the existing microbubble technology. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 2)’.

Microplastic enhances water repellency of soils

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Cramer ◽  
Ursula Bundschuh ◽  
Pascal Bernard ◽  
Mohsen Zarebanadkouki ◽  
Andrea Carminati
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Properties ◽  
Sessile Drop ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Water Repellency ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Water Retention Curve ◽  
Soil Hydraulic Properties ◽  
Soil Hydraulic ◽  
The Impact

<p>Soils are the largest sink of microplastic particles (MPP) in terrestrial ecosystems. However, there is little knowledge on the implication of MPP contaminating soils. In particular, we don’t know how MPP move and, on the other hand, how they affect soil hydraulic properties and soil moisture dynamics.</p><p>Among the expected effects of MPP on soil hydraulic properties is the likelihood that MPP enhances soil water repellency. This emerges from (1) the MPP surface chemical properties as well as (2) their surface physical properties like size and shape. Here, we tested mixtures of MPP and a model porous media. The Sessile Drop Method was applied and apparent contact angles were measured. We are able to show enlarged contact angles with rising concentrations of MPP. Already in relatively low concentrations of MPP the contact angels exhibit a steep increase and are rapidly reaching areas of super-hydrophobicity. Furthermore, we provide the physical explanation of the apparent contact angles resulting from the three-phase contact line between solid composite surfaces, water and air. The considered modes of a droplet lying on a surface are Wenzel, Cassie-Baxter and Young. The goal here was to differentiate between the involved surfaces building up the apparent contact angle and to pin down the impact of MPP in these systems.</p><p>Thinking about the implications of these results, an increased water repellency alters soil hydraulic properties towards less water content resulting in a shift in the water retention curve. Less water in soils especially at sites of high MPP concentrations leads to a limitation of degradation of MPP by hydrolysis. Additionally, microorganisms themselves and their enzymes cannot migrate in the liquid phase towards the MPP even elongating the process of natural purification.</p>

scholarly journals Superhydrophobicity and Contact-Line Issues

MRS Bulletin ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 747-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lichao Gao ◽  
Alexander Y. Fadeev ◽  
Thomas J. McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Contact Angle ◽  
Contact Line ◽  
Contact Angle Hysteresis ◽  
Water Repellency ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Contact Lines ◽  
Lotus Effect ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
Solid Liquid

AbstractThe wettability of several superhydrophobic surfaces that were prepared recently by simple, mostly single-step methods is described and compared with the wettability of surfaces that are less hydrophobic. We explain why two length scales of topography can be important for controlling the hydrophobicity of some surfaces (the lotus effect). Contact-angle hysteresis (difference between the advancing, θA, and receding, θR, contact angles) is discussed and explained, particularly with regard to its contribution to water repellency. Perfect hydrophobicity (θA/θR = 180°/180°) and a method for distinguishing perfectly hydrophobic surfaces from those that are almost perfectly hydrophobic are described and discussed. The Wenzel and Cassie theories, both of which involve analysis of interfacial (solid/liquid) areas and not contact lines, are criticized. Each of these related topics is addressed from the perspective of the three-phase (solid/liquid/vapor) contact line and its dynamics. The energy barriers for movement of the three-phase contact line from one metastable state to another control contact-angle hysteresis and, thus, water repellency.

scholarly journals Development of a universal microinfiltrometer to estimate extent and persistence of soil water repellency as a function of capillary pressure and interface chemical composition

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 392-403
Author(s):  
Nasrollah Sepehrnia ◽  
Susanne K. Woche ◽  
Marc-O. Goebel ◽  
Jörg Bachmann
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Water Drop ◽  
Water Repellency ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Soil Water Repellency ◽  
Glass Tubes

AbstractMicroinfiltrometers to assess soil water repellency (SWR) are limited to small tension ranges and have different technical setups, hindering a comparison between results from different laboratories. Hence, a microinfiltrometer which considers various aspects like extent and persistence of SWR is needed. The technical update suggested here uses glass tubes (e.g., 3 mm inner diameter), a fabric of mesh size 15 µm around the tip to enable good contact between soil surface and tip, ultrapure degassed water, and an evaporation protection for tip and reservoir during long-term infiltration. The adjustment of a continuous range of pressures and tensions (i.e., +0.5 to –40 cm) was done using glass tubes of various lengths connected to the tip. Three soil samples with initial contact angles, CA, of 18°, 62°, and 91° after 25°C treatment were additionally treated at 80°C to increase SWR persistence and CA. The soil particle interface chemical composition was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The hydrophysical properties evaluated included water and ethanol sorptivity as well as very important aspects of SWR, i.e. water drop penetration time, water repellency cessation time, repellency index, and modified repellency index. The results derived from the technically modified microinfiltrometer setup showed consistent differences between initial wettability and the water repellency cessation time as a parameter describing the development of SWR with time. The interface O/C ratio as derived from XPS data was negatively correlated with CA (p <0.05), thus proving the close relationship between interface chemistry and wettability. Our findings illustrated a strong positive correlation (R2 = 0.99, p < 0.05) between sorptivity and O/C ratio under –2 cm tension which can be considered as the universal tension for different aspects of SWR.

scholarly journals TEOS-Based Superhydrophobic Coating for the Protection of Stone-Built Cultural Heritage

Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Fotios G. Adamopoulos ◽  
Evangelia C. Vouvoudi ◽  
Eleni Pavlidou ◽  
Dimitris S. Achilias ◽  
Ioannis Karapanagiotis
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Water Repellency ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Tetraethyl Orthosilicate ◽  
Superhydrophobic Coating ◽  
Water Penetration ◽  
Wetting Properties ◽  
Aesthetic Appearance ◽  
Static Contact ◽  
Water Drops

Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) is extensively used in the conservation of stone-built cultural heritage, which is often subjected to water-induced degradation processes. The goal of this study was to produce and study a TEOS-based material with the ability to repel liquid water. A sol solution of TEOS and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane (FAS) was prepared and deposited on marble. The static contact angles (CAs) of water drops on the coated marble surface were >170° and the sliding angles (SA) were <5°, suggesting that superhydrophobicity and water repellency were achieved on the surface of the synthesized TEOS-based coating. FTIR and SEM-EDS were employed to characterize the produced coating. The latter offered good protection against water penetration by capillarity, reducing the breathability of marble only by a small extent and with practically no effect on its aesthetic appearance. The durability of the coating was evaluated through various tests that provided very promising results. Finally, the versatility of the method was demonstrated as the TEOS-based coating was successfully deposited onto glass, brass, wood, silicon, paper and silk, which obtained extreme wetting properties.

Population Study on the Impact Food Chemical Composition on Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 961-964
Author(s):  
Andrei Vasile Olteanu ◽  
Georgiana Emmanuela Gilca Blanariu ◽  
Gheorghe Gh. Balan ◽  
Dana Elena Mitrica ◽  
Elena Gologan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Liver Steatosis ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Major Interest ◽  
The Impact

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become of major interest worldwide, it is estimated that more than 20% of the general population suffer from liver steatosis. NAFLD is highly associated with metabolic risk factors like type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity and dyslipidemia, the patients diagnosed with NAFLD should adopt a high fiber low calorie diet, with reduced saturated fat and carbohydrates content, leading to weight loss and improvement of metabolic profile. Our study is aiming to shape the profile of the patient interested in being informed related to food quality and chemical composition and to evaluate the aspects on the food products label which are important for the customer. Between June 2017 and December 2017, 83 patients diagnosed with NASH were included in the study, representing the study group, while 33 subjects, without metabolic syndrome or digestive diseases, selected from patient list belonging to two general practitioners, constituted the control group. Related to the interest of being informed about the chemical composition and nutritional value of the products bought, the study showed a low interest for the provided information on nutritional value. lack of confidence in the provided information and complexity of the information are understandable, the high number of subject reasoning through lack of immediate clinical benefit is surprising. Among the healthy population the willingness to pay attention to this aspect is extremely low.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Bark and Leaf Extracts of Cupressus sempervirens and Juniperus phoenicea Grown in Al- Jabel Al-Akhdar Region, Libya

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 268-279
Author(s):  
Mohamed E.I. Badawy ◽  
Ibrahim E.A. Kherallah ◽  
Ahmed S.O. Mohareb ◽  
Mohamed. Z.M. Salem ◽  
Hameda A. Yousef
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Complex Mixture ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Cupressus Sempervirens ◽  
Leaf Extracts ◽  
Juniperus Phoenicea ◽  
The Impact

Background:Plant extracts are important products in the world and have been widely used for isolation of important biologically active products. Because of their significant environmental impact, extensive research has been explored to determine the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts.Methods:Acetone extracts of the bark and leaf of Cupressus sempervirens and Juniperus phoenicea, collected from three different altitudes (125, 391, and 851 m high of sea level) at Al- Jabel Al-Akhdar area, Libya were obtained and analyzed by GC/MS. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was further evaluated against plant bacteria Rhizobium radiobacter, Erwinia carotovora, Rhodococcus fascians and Ralstonia solanacearum and fungus Botrytis cinerea.Results:The impact of the altitude from the sea level on the quantity and chemical constituents of the extracts was investigated. The yield was largely dependent on tree species and the highest yield (6.50%) was obtained with C. sempervirens L bark of altitude III (851 m of the sea level), while the lowest (1.17%) was obtained with the leaf extract of C. sempervirens L from altitude I (125 m). The chemical composition analyzed by GC/MS confirmed that the leaf extracts of C. sempervirens and J. phoenicea contained a complex mixture of monoterpene hydrocarbons, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, diterpenoids, terpenophenolic, steroids and phthalates. However, the bark extracts of both trees contained a mixture of sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, diterpenoids, terpenophenolics, phthalates, retinol and steroids. These constituents revealed some variability among the extracts displaying the highest interesting chemotype of totarol (terpenophenolic) in all extracts (14.63-78.19% of the total extract). The extracts displayed a noteworthy antifungal potency with varying degrees of inhibition of growth with EC50 values ranged from 78.50 to 206.90 mg/L. The extracts obtained from the leaves of C. sempervirens showed that the highest inhibitory activity was obtained with the extract of altitude II (391 m) with MIC 565, 510, 380 and 710 mg/L against E. carotovora, R. fascians, and R. radiobacter and R. solanacearum, respectively.Conclusion:Based on antimicrobial activity, raw plant extracts can be a cost-effective way to protect crops from microbial pathogens. Because plant extracts contain several antimicrobial compounds, the development of resistant pathogens can be delayed.

Effect of Nanobionics in crop production- A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinayak Fasake ◽  
Nita Patil ◽  
Zoya Javed ◽  
Mansi Mishra ◽  
Gyan Tripathi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Seed Quality ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Potential Solution ◽  
New Era ◽  
Mineral Toxicity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Favourable Situation ◽  
Unique Chemical ◽  
Macro Nutrients

: Nanobionics involves the improvement of plant or plant productivity using nanomaterials. Growth of a plant from a seed encompasses various factors which are directly or indirectly dependent upon the imbibition of micro and macro nutrients and vital elements from the soil. Since most of the nutrition is physiologically unavailable to the plants, it leads to mineral deficiencies in plant and mineral toxicity in soil. Either ways, it is not a favourable situation for the microcosom. The new era of nanotechnology offers a potential solution to the availability of the nutrients to the plants due to its unique chemical and physical properties of nanoparticles. Positive and negative impact of these nanoparticles on seed quality and plant growth varies according to the specific properties of nanoparticles. The present review is an attempt to summarize the impact of nanobionics in agriculture.

scholarly journals Treatment of wood with atmospheric plasma discharge: study of the treatment process, dynamic wettability and interactions with a waterborne coating

Holzforschung ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jure Žigon ◽  
Matjaž Pavlič ◽  
Pierre Kibleur ◽  
Jan Van den Bulcke ◽  
Marko Petrič ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Treatment ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Beech Wood ◽  
Treated Wood ◽  
Plasma Discharge ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Atmospheric Plasma ◽  
Waterborne Coating ◽  
Spruce Wood ◽  
The Impact

AbstractPlasma treatment is becoming a mature technique for modification of surfaces of various materials, including wood. A better insight in the treatment process and the impact of the plasma on properties of wood bulk are still needed. The study was performed on Norway spruce and common beech wood, as well as their thermally modified variations. The formations of the airborne discharge, as well as mass changes of the treated wood, were monitored. The impact of such treatment on wood-coating interaction was investigated by evaluating the dynamic wettability and penetration into wood. At the wood surface, plasma streamers were observed more intense on denser latewood regions. Wood mass loss was higher with increasing number of passes through the plasma discharge and was lower for thermally modified wood than for unmodified wood. Plasma treatment increased the surface free energy of all wood species and lowered the contact angles of a waterborne coating, these together indicating enhanced wettability after treatment. Finally, the distribution and penetration depth of the coating were studied with X-ray microtomography. It was found that the coating penetrated deeper into beech than into spruce wood. However, the treatment with plasma increased the penetration of the coating only into spruce wood.

scholarly journals Bonding of Selected Hardwoods with PVAc Adhesive

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Ján Iždinský ◽  
Ladislav Reinprecht ◽  
Ján Sedliačik ◽  
Jozef Kúdela ◽  
Viera Kučerová
Keyword(s):  
Adhesion Strength ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Ph Value ◽  
Water Extract ◽  
Solid Wood ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Water Contact ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Positive Tendency ◽  
The Impact

The bonding of wood with assembly adhesives is crucial for manufacturing wood composites, such as solid wood panels, glulam, furniture parts, and sport and musical instruments. This work investigates 13 hardwoods—bangkirai, beech, black locust, bubinga, ipé, iroko, maçaranduba, meranti, oak, palisander, sapelli, wengé and zebrano—and analyzes the impact of their selected structural and physical characteristics (e.g., the density, cold water extract, pH value, roughness, and wettability) on the adhesion strength with the polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) adhesive Multibond SK8. The adhesion strength of the bonded hardwoods, determined by the standard EN 205, ranged in the dry state from 9.5 MPa to 17.2 MPa, from 0.6 MPa to 2.6 MPa in the wet state, and from 8.5 MPa to 19.2 MPa in the reconditioned state. The adhesion strength in the dry state of the bonded hardwoods was not influenced by their cold water extracts, pH values, or roughness parallel with the grain. On the contrary, the adhesion strength was significantly with positive tendency influenced by their higher densities, lower roughness parameters perpendicular to the grain, and lower water contact angles.

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