Biologically inspired hairy structures for superhydrophobicity

Superhydrophobic surfaces have received tremendous attention in the last decade, owing to the number of emerging applications in conservation of environment. These surface properties are based on physiochemical principles and can be transferred into technical "biomimetic" materials, as successfully done for the Lotus leaves. This article provides a review of the most recent development in superhydrophobic surfaces. Examples of superhydrophobic surfaces from nature are presented. It focuses on the hairy exterior of many different plant and animal species which renders them water repellent for protecting and maintaining crucial life functions. The classical Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter models along with manufacturing and understanding of the wettability of flexible hairy structures are reviewed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.