Mondal B., Mac Giolla Eain M., Xu Q.F., Egan V., Punch J., Lyons A.M.
City University of New York, US
Keywords: Cassie Wenzel, dropwise condensation, thermal management, wetting
Condensation of water vapor is an essential process in power generation, water collection, and thermal management. Because of the high surface energy of the metal surfaces, filmwise condensation of water vapor occurs, forming a static, thermally insulating film. Numerous efforts have been made to create surfaces that promote dropwise condensation; however these result in thermally insulating layers or degrade over time. Nature provides an alternative approach. The Namib beetle (Stenocara gracilipes) has a carapace that collects water by promoting dropwise condensation on raised hydrophilic regions which then roll off and slide along the lower hydrophobic surface. We designed and fabricated a hybrid superhydrophobic-hydrophilic surface to mimic, and improve upon, this behavior. Arrays of hydrophilic needles, thermally connected to a heat sink, were forced through a robust superhydrophobic polymer film. Condensation occurs preferentially on the needle surface due to differences in wettability and temperature. As the droplet grows, the liquid on the needle remains in the Cassie state and does not wet the underlying superhydrophobic surface. Once the droplet reaches a critical volume, gravity overcomes the triple contact line forces and the droplet is released leaving the needle and the superhydrophobic surface available for another cycle of nucleation, growth and release.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Advanced Materials: TechConnect Briefs 2015
Published: June 14, 2015
Pages: 380 - 383
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Composite Materials
ISBN: 978-1-4987-4727-1