Designing structured surfaces with superwettability properties

The research topic I am interested in pursuing focuses on designing structured surfaces with superwettability properties. These surfaces will be designed with the intention of being adopted within microelectromechanical systems and sensor technology. The topic presents a unique engineering problem, combining modelling and experimentation to structure a surface that is capable of achieving effective water repellence. This will be undertaken in collaboration with an industry partner, Infineon Technologies.

In the field so far, several designs demonstrate superwettability; however, these have been achieved within the laboratory environment and not in an applied context. There is, therefore, scope to investigate these designs and their failure mechanisms further. One of the challenges is understanding the interaction between the deposited water droplet and the surface.

This includes both the dynamics of the droplet and subsequent friction, as well as the deposition of contaminants present within the droplet.

An improved understanding will help inform the optimal surface design, which would maintain its superwettable properties while exposed to an external environment. Doing so should contribute to the many industrial applications that would benefit from a surface that is able to effectively repel water. These include anti-biofouling and anti-icing coatings, microfluidic devices, electrical sensors and water-resistant clothing.