Making Metal Surfaces Waterproof, but without Coatings

Scientists at the University of Rochester have used lasers to transform metals into extremely water repellent, or super-hydrophobic, materials without the need for temporary coatings. Super-hydrophobic materials are desirable for a number of applications such as rust prevention, anti-icing, or even in sanitation uses. However, as Rochester’s Chunlei Guo explains, most current hydrophobic materials rely on chemical coatings.

Inspired partly be previous work where Guo's lab created super-hydrophillic metals, his group set out with the goal of creating the opposite. The work relies on surface nanostructures created by lasers. You can hear the researchers explain their work in the video above, and more information is available in this press release.