Fabrication and characterization of micropatterned structures inspired by salvinia molesta

Abstract

The floating water ferns of genus Salvinia are of interest because of their ability to trap and hold an air film under water for up to several months. Within the floating water ferns of the genus Salvinia, morphologically different kinds of water repellent (superhydrophobic) hairs exist. Dependent on the species, the hair size varies in the order of several hundreds of micrometers, and hairs are visible in the order of several hundreds of micrometers, and hairs are visible with the naked eye, Fig. 8.1a. These multi-cellular hairs on the upper (adaxial) side of the leaves form complex hierarchical surface structures that are able to retain an air layer at the surface, even when leaves were fixed under water for several days. The hairs are eggbeater-shaped with tiny crowns Fig. 8.1b, c. The ability to retain air prevents wetting and submersion.