Surface Wettability and Superhydrophobicity

Abstract

Research in the field of wettability has attracted tremendous attention from both fundamental and applied points of view. This chapter gives a deep insight into different kinds of surface wettability and various models used to explain the spreading of a droplet on a solid surface. The importance of surface physical and chemical properties in determining the surface wettability behaviour is outlined. The significance of various measurable parameters such as equilibrium water contact angle and contact angle hysteresis that determine the wettability nature of a surface, whether it is hydrophilic or hydrophobic, is discussed in detail. In addition, various approaches adopted to measure these parameters are also discussed. The chapter concludes with a section on superhydrophobicity, mentioning the major fabrication techniques currently being adopted and various application areas.