What is the Difference Between Hydrophobic and Superhydrophobic?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces lies in their contact angles for water droplets. Both hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces are water-repelling, but the level of repellency varies:
- Hydrophobic surfaces have a contact angle for water droplets of more than 90 degrees. This means that the water droplets sit on top of the surface, but they do not roll off easily.
- Superhydrophobic surfaces have a contact angle for water droplets of more than 150 degrees. In this case, not only do the water droplets sit on top of the surface, but they also roll off the surface with ease.
In summary, hydrophobic surfaces repel water and have a water contact angle of more than 90 degrees, while superhydrophobic surfaces have a water contact angle of more than 150 degrees, causing water droplets to roll off the surface.
Comparative Table: Hydrophobic vs Superhydrophobic
The main difference between hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces lies in their contact angle with water droplets. Here is a table summarizing the differences between hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces:
| Property | Hydrophobic | Superhydrophobic |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Angle | More than 90 degrees | More than 150 degrees |
| Water Repellency | Repels water | Repels water and causes droplets to roll off the surface |
| Self-Cleaning Effect | Minimal | Significant |
| Durability | Stable and covalently-bonded, suitable for most projects | Often not durable, performance can degrade after a few launderings |
Both hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces are designed to repel water. However, superhydrophobic surfaces have a higher contact angle with water droplets, causing them to roll off the surface and providing a more effective self-cleaning effect. Superhydrophobic surfaces are often created using a combination of polymers and nanoparticles.
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