Effects of micro- and nano-structures on the self-cleaning behaviour of lotus leaves

Y. T. Cheng, D. E. Rodak, C. A. Wong, C. A. Hayden

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

466 Scopus citations

Abstract

When rain falls on lotus leaves water beads up with a high contact angle. The water drops promptly roll off the leaves, collecting dirt along the way. This self-cleaning ability or lotus effect has, in recent years, stimulated much research effort worldwide for a variety of applications ranging from self-cleaning window glasses, paints, and fabrics to low friction surfaces. What are the mechanisms giving rise to the lotus effect? Although chemical composition and surface structure are believed important, a systematic experimental investigation of their effects is still lacking. By altering the surface structure of the leaves while keeping their chemical composition approximately the same, we report in this study the influence of micro- and nano-scale structures on the wetting behaviour of lotus leaves. The findings of this work may help design self-cleaning surfaces and improve our understanding of wetting mechanisms.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1359-1362
Number of pages4
JournalNanotechnology
Volume17
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 14 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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