A condensation management apparatus comprises a microstructured film arranged to condense water vapor on an underside of a substantially horizontal surface. The film comprises channels disposed at least on a first major surface and configured to support capillary movement of condensate. The channels have a channel axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the film. A capillary siphon structure of the film comprises a fold in the film, a condensate collection region proximate the fold, and a siphon region between the fold and a condensate release location of the film. At least a portion of a second major surface is attached to the underside of the substantially horizontal surface such that longitudinal openings of the channels of the condensate collection region are oriented towards a direction of gravity and the condensate release location is positioned lower along the direction of gravity than the condensate collection region.

The present invention is directed to an improved fishing rod guide. In one embodiment the improved fishing rod includes superhydrophobic metal guides. The superhydrophobic metal guides make it possible for fishing line, including, for example, fly fishing line and conventional fishing line, to move through the guides with less weight and drag due to water and ice accumulation, allowing for significantly greater distance and ease in casting. Additionally, the decrease in friction between the fishing line and line guides help extend the life of the fishing line.

A textured film is provided which comprises nanocellulose. At least a first surface of the film comprises a patterned, textured surface formed by repeating protruding regions and at least one non-protruding region arranged between said protruding regions. A particular height difference between the protruding and non-protruding regions can give liquid repellent properties. Methods for making the textured film are also provided.

Provided herein is a hierarchical superhydrophobic surface comprising an array of first geometrical features disposed on a substrate comprising a first material and a terminal level disposed on the second features, wherein the terminal level comprises a second material, the second material being different from the first material. The second material has a hydrophilicity different from the hydrophilicity of at least one of 1) the hydrophilicity of the second material and 2) hydrophilicity induced by the hierarchical structure. The present disclosure further includes methods of preparing hierarchical superhydrophobic surfaces and medical devices comprising the hierarchical superhydrophobic surfaces.

The present invention relates to an article having a surface coated with a nanostructured temporary super-hydrophobic film having a static contact angle with water of at least 140°, preferably exhibiting multiple length scales of roughness and comprising nanoparticles functionalized with a hydrophobic agent, wherein the functionalization of the nanoparticles with the hydrophobic agent has been performed before said nanostructured temporary super-hydrophobic film is coated on said surface. The surface of the article exhibits a static contact angle with water of at least 60° before being coated with the nanostructured temporary super-hydrophobic film. The treatment according to the invention can be used to provide an antirain function to optical articles having a hydrophobic surface.

Mesoporous nanostructured coatings are disclosed. The coatings comprise particles of a refractory material, the particles having diameters <200 nm, connected by a material that is formed from a precursor that is deposited on the substrate with the particles, typically by oxidation of the precursor. The material that connects the particles enhances their necking and adhesion to the substrate. In preferred embodiments, the coatings are multi-functional, combining anti-reflective properties with a second property such as self-cleaning or anti-soiling. A novel method for making the coatings, based on inkjet technology, is also disclosed.

Active surface structures comprise an exposed surface, a controlled group of MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) actuators, and a controlled region of the exposed surface corresponding to the controlled group. The controlled region has a first state, and a second state that is less textured than the first state. Active surface structures may be part of an apparatus that includes a controller and/or one or more sensors. The controller, sensors, and the controlled region may form a feedback loop in which the active surface structure is actively controlled.

Disclosed is a low-cost, scalable and highly repeatable approach to fabricate polystyrene films with three-dimensional nanopyramids on the surface. The nanopyramids have tubable aspect ratio and anti-bacterial performance. The effectiveness of the nanopyramids on bacterial and fungi growth inhibition and the role of nanostructure aspect ratio are confirmed via through scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results show an excellent antibacterial performance with more than 90% reduction in E. coli population in all nanopyramid samples after a 168-hr prolonged incubation time. The nanopyramid film developed here can be used for the clinical and commercial applications to prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria on various surfaces.

A substrate having a superhydrophobic surface and methods of manufacturing the same and uses thereof. The substrate comprises a frame of a first material of interconnected structures exhibiting cavities having the shape of inverted pyramids; and a second material comprising hydrophobic structures filling the cavities, wherein the sidewalls of the inverted pyramids form an angle α of 105°<α<135° against the surface. The hydrophobic structures, such as nanoparticles, provide excellent water repellency, whereas the structures formed by a mechanically durable substrate material, typically comprising microstructures, act as armor to resist abrasion. The substrates are robust, durable and abrasion resistant and can be used as surfaces in self-cleaning, anti-fouling or heat transfer materials as well as in transparent surfaces, in particular in solar cells.

Photocurable compositions and methods of preparation and use of such compositions. More particularly, photocurable compositions useful for forming topographical features on surfaces such as membrane surfaces. Methods of forming topographical features on a membrane surface using photocurable compositions.