Scientists at the University of Rochester have created new metal surfaces that are super water repellent, using short intense laser blasts. Because these surfaces don't accumulate water, they are self-cleaning and resistant to both corrosion and ice, making them good candidates for solar panels, aerofoils, and even toilets. The researchers published their findings yesterday in the Journal of Applied Physics . Think you've seen this effect before? We'll explore how these new surfaces were made, what they can do, and how they are very different from two other effects you may be thinking of. A water droplet bounces off the hydrophobic laser-etched metal. The parallel micro-grooves are just visible. Image courtesy of J. Adam Fenster, University of Rochester
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