Abstract:
In some embodiments, a method of producing a liquid-impregnated surface includes forming a solid particle solution including a plurality of solid particles with an average dimension of between about 5nm and about 200µm. The solid particle solution is applied to a surface by spray-depositing the solid particle solution onto the surface. An impregnating liquid is also applied to the surface. The plurality of solid particles and the impregnating liquid collectively form a liquid-impregnated surface. The impregnating liquid can be applied after the solid particle solution is applied, or the solid particle solution can include the impregnating liquid, such that the solid particle solution and the impregnating liquid are concurrently spray-deposited onto the surface.
Abstract:
An article with a liquid-impregnated surface (120), the surface (120) having a matrix of features (124) thereupon, spaced sufficiently close to stably contain a liquid (126) therebetween or therewithin, and preferable also a thin film thereupon. The surface (120) provides the article with advantageous non-wetting properties. Compared to previous non-wetting surfaces (104), which include a gas (110) (e.g., air) entrained within surface textures (108), these liquid-impregnated surfaces (120) are resistant to impalement and frost formation, and are therefore more robust.
Abstract:
Hierarchical nanostructures and methods of fabrication. The structures include particles having a metal oxide outer shell with metal oxide wires extending from the outer shell. A multiscale structure according to the invention has particles above and below a critical size wherein the particles above the critical size have wires extending from the surface. These structures may be fabricated from a mixture prepared of relatively smaller metal particles having a size threshold below a threshold for nanowire formation and of relatively larger metal particles having a size above the threshold for nanowire formation. The mixture is oxidized at a selected temperature and for a selected time whereby the relatively smaller particles sinter and nanowires grow on the relatively larger particles thereby creating tunable hierarchical structures with metal-to-metal contact between the particles.
Abstract:
An article having a liquid-impregnated surface. The surface includes a matrix of solid features (124) (e.g., non-toxic and/or edible features) spaced sufficiently close to stably contain a liquid (126) therebetween or therewithin, wherein the liquid is non-toxic and/or edible. The article may contain, for example, a food or other consumer product, such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
Abstract:
Articles and methods for forming liquid surface films on the interior surfaces of containers for holding one or more products comprising one or more Bingham plastic materials. Bingham plastic materials behave as a solid under no or low shear stress, and behave as viscous liquids when an applied shear stress exceeds a yield stress. In some embodiments, a container for containing a product includes an interior surface and a liquid disposed on the interior surface. Before introduction of a product into a container, the liquid may be surrounded by air. The liquid-air interface in contact with the interior surface makes a contact angle with respect to the interior surface of the container, of about 0 degrees. The liquid-product interface in contact with the interior surface, makes a contact angle with respect to the interior surface, of less about 60°.
Abstract:
Hierarchical nanostructures and methods of fabrication. The structures include particles having a metal oxide outer shell with metal oxide wires extending from the outer shell. A multiscale structure according to the invention has particles above and below a critical size wherein the particles above the critical size have wires extending from the surface. These structures may be fabricated from a mixture prepared of relatively smaller metal particles having a size threshold below a threshold for nanowire formation and of relatively larger metal particles having a size above the threshold for nanowire formation. The mixture is oxidized at a selected temperature and for a selected time whereby the relatively smaller particles sinter and nanowires grow on the relatively larger particles thereby creating tunable hierarchical structures with metal-to-metal contact between the particles.
Abstract:
This invention relates generally to articles, devices, and methods for gas hydrate mitigation in deep-sea drilling applications. In certain embodiments, hydrate-phobic surfaces are provided that ensure passive enhancement of flow assurance and prevention of catastrophic failures in deep-sea oil and gas operations.
Abstract:
This invention relates generally to an article that includes a base substrate and a hydrophobic coating on the base substrate, wherein the hydrophobic coating includes a rare earth element material (e.g., a rare earth oxide, a rare earth carbide, a rare earth nitride, a rare earth fluoride, and/or a rare earth boride). An exposed surface of the hydrophobic coating has a dynamic contact angle with water of at least about 90 degrees. A method of manufacturing the article includes providing the base substrate and forming a coating on the base substrate (e.g.,through sintering or sputtering).
Abstract:
This invention relates generally to an article that includes a non-wetting surface having a dynamic contact angle of at least about 90°. The surface is patterned with macro- scale features configured to induce controlled asymmetry in a liquid film produced by impingement of a droplet onto the surface, thereby reducing time of contact between the droplet and the surface.
Abstract:
Method for treating thermoplastic to make a surface thereof superhydrophobic. The method includes exposing the thermoplastic to a specific solvent for a selected time period. It is preferred that the treatment time be in the range of one minute to approximately five hours and more preferably in the range of one minute to 15 minutes. Thermoplastics and solvents having a similar solubility parameter interact with one another to form hydrophobic hierarchical surfaces.