surface structure

Video: Superhydrophobic spray-on coating takes a beating and keeps on self-healing

By April Gocha / April 12, 2017

A University of Michigan team has developed the ultimate superhydrophobic spray-on coating that is so durable that it can be applied to virtually any surface, including vehicles, boats, clothing, and more.

Read More

Latest self-cleaning technologies mean a lower-maintenance, ‘greener’ future

By Stephanie Liverani / March 28, 2016

The latest innovations in self-cleaning surfaces, materials, and technologies focus on low-maintenance, energy-efficient solutions for many industries with major scale-up potential.

Read More

What works for penguins could work for planes: Secrets of the feather show how to prevent ice formation

By April Gocha / December 21, 2015

New research shows that when it comes to anti-icing surfaces, the animal world’s most dapper creatures have a few tricks on their flippers.

Read More

Nano-nails give surfaces superrepellent superpowers against all liquids

By April Gocha / December 9, 2014

A couple of University of California, Los Angeles researchers have devised a patterned surface that resembles a bed of nails and is superrepellent against all liquid assaults—a true superomniphobic surface.

Read More

Video: Structure and function—Surface properties are the secret to smarter materials

By April Gocha / August 5, 2014

Materials’ surfaces are really important because they influence how something interacts with the rest of the world—and big advances in the understanding and fabrication of surfaces mean big advances in how those surfaces can function.

Read More