Microstructural effects of banana leaf on adhesion and self cleaning behaviour

Abstract

A recent discovery on banana leaf that has high potential as the lotus effect has intrigued further investigation particularly on the mechanism of its self-cleaning behaviour. In this paper, the adhesive and the contact angle effects of the banana leaf, named Musa Parasidiaca L. (berangan) surface in determining the self-cleaning effect is discussed especially at high temperatures. Samples were slid against a heated metal plate at two different temperatures; 100°C and 200°C, under different loads; 0.5 kg and 1 kg. Correlation between the leaf morphologies, adhesion force and contact angles were discussed. Measurements were carefully carried out by using the various pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP-SEM), an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a drop shape analysis (DSA). The adhesion force and contact angle were decreased at the highest temperature and load. The adhesion force was found to be reduced from 5.6 nN to 1.9 nN and the value of contact angles was decreased from 108.9° to 99.4°. In short, it is hope that the new discovery of this study can shed light on its importance to mankind particularly in surface modifications for applications at higher temperature.