Can Hydrophobic Surfaces Repel Both Water and Oil?

  • Thread starter Thread starter psyklon
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Oil Surfaces
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the properties of hydrophobic surfaces, specifically their ability to repel both water and oil. It is established that geometrically hydrophobic surfaces lose their water repellency when contaminated with oily substances due to changes in surface geometry. In contrast, work boots treated with oil do not possess geometric hydrophobicity; instead, the oil reduces water traction. Future advancements in material science may lead to inherently hydrophobic fabrics that do not require chemical treatments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of hydrophobicity and superhydrophobicity
  • Knowledge of surface geometry and its impact on material properties
  • Familiarity with the chemical treatments used in fabric waterproofing
  • Basic principles of material science and engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advancements in superhydrophobic materials and their applications
  • Explore the effects of surface geometry on liquid repellency
  • Investigate chemical treatments for enhancing hydrophobic properties in textiles
  • Learn about the latest developments in waterproofing technologies for footwear
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for material scientists, textile engineers, and anyone interested in the development of advanced waterproofing technologies for clothing and footwear.

psyklon
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Hello, I have a quick question regarding an http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/38466/title/Blueprint_to_repel_oil_and_water" that I just read on ScienceNews regarding hydrophobic surfaces.

In the second to last paragraph it's quoted that "although hydrophobic surfaces readily shed water, if they become contaminated with oily substances they lose their water repellency." The confusion I have (and I'm assuming that I'm wrongly inferring from the article) is that I regularly oil my work boots to ensure that they maintain their water repellency. So how does that make sense when oil-contamined surfaces lose their ability to repel water? :rolleyes:

Thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
The article was probably talking about geometrically hydrophobic surfaces, which repel water because of their shape. The presence of oil changes the geometry, and the property is lost.

Workboots are not geometrically hydrophobic (yet), so you add oil to give the water less traction. This is an entirely different phenominon. With the newest research being done, however, it may not be long before you can buy a pair of workboots or a jacket or swimtrunks that will be hydrophobic or even superhydrophobic by nature; an inherent property of the fabric and not something that needs to be chemically added.
 
Thanks, LURCH. That definitely cleared up the issue for me. :biggrin: