Cicada-inspired self-cleaning superhydrophobic surfaces

Water-based heat transfer surfaces in HVAC&R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) systems have biofouling or microbial growth which might not only impose adverse effects to public health but also deteriorate the heat transfer performance of surfaces. In nature, a living creature is surviving while being exposed to formidable condition such as bacteria and fungi. Cicada wing has known to have multi-functional wings exhibiting nonwetting, and anti-microbial due to nanoscale pillars and biochemicals to achieve non-wetting characteristics. We conducted experiments on cicada wings and cicada-inspired engineered superhydrophobic samples to show that droplets jumping from superhydrophobic wings could carry away individual particles (~100 µm) or cluster of particles. This study was investigated on self-cleaning mechanism using jumping droplet condensation and elucidate further antifouling characteristics of non-wetting heat transfer surfaces.

Portland Cement Based Lightweight Multifunctional Matrix with Different Kind of Additives Containing SiO2

Additives containing SiO2 (ACS) and having pozzolanic properties such as metakaolin (MK), microsilica (MS) and milled autoclaved aerated concrete waste (MAACW) are promising materials for partially replacement of Portlandcement (PC) in matrix of lightweight building materials. Studies have shown that SA effects on the hydration process of PC matrix. The highest wetting heat release rate values were obtained using MS additive, and the lowest a mix of MS and MK additives. In a mix with both MS and MK additives, the maximal value of heat release rate was reached after 10 h and in a mix with MS additive after 13 h. MS additive extends while MK additive accelerates the hydration process of PC. The most effective plasticizer (P) was chosen according to the study of dynamic viscosity (DV) of PC matrix. It was fixed that surfactant (SU) in amount of 0.03 % (from PC) reduces the density of matrix about 30 % compared with the density of matrix without SU. Increased quantity of MAACW (from 5 to 15 % from PC) causes in increase of compressive strength of PC matrix (after 28 days curing) from 19 to 47 MPa.