Hydrophobic and superhydrophobic material surfaces and properties

Abstract

Hydrophobic and superhydrophobic properties are found in the structure of many living plant or animal species in nature. With the discovery of this mysterious world of nature, researchers have fabricated different surfaces or surface coatings to be used in different application areas. Hydrophobic and superhydrophobic materials have a wide range of utilizations because of their hygienic surface properties for example antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, easy cleaning, and self-cleaning which they provide to products used in different areas. The fact that hydrophobic surfaces are easy to clean and the self-cleaning feature of superhydrophobic surfaces have led to the emergence of new products in many different fields such as the health sector, textile sector, ceramic and glass sector, and construction sector. Superhydrophobic surfaces are an area needed especially in today's applications, and they are preferred because they add increased value to the products they are used in, such as being hygienic, saving energy and labor, and increasing the service life of the products. In this study, the basic principles and concepts in the production of these surfaces, examples inspired by nature, industrial application areas, properties, production techniques and analysis methods used in the examination of these surfaces are systematically explained and discussed.