In fact, the material is superhydrophobic, as its water-surface contact angle is above 170 degrees. The ultrathin, superhydrophobic sheets mentioned above are formed by just one layer of atoms, and so, are transparent as well. But these nanolayers can also bring roughness in to the surface along with low surface energy, because of which low surface tension liquids will also roll off from the surface, just like water does,” says T.N. Ultrathin superhydrophobic films were made on various substrates from glass to metals in large area using this vapour deposition. The film may be used in surgical implants and surgical tools, too, as due to its extreme hydrophobicity, biofilms do not form on the surface of these tools, acting as an anti-bacterial agent.

Source: The Hindu December 03, 2016 12:28 UTC