Mechanical Durability Testing and Self-Recovery of Topographically Modified Superhydrophobic Surfaces

The abrasion testing process of topographically modified surfaces is investigated and their mechanical durability and wear characteristics are presented. The primary aim of the study is to demonstrate that a simple abrasion testing process carries a number of subtle complexities which are crucial for getting comparable results—i.e., sample area, abrasion duration, and presence of a microstructure. All of these factors can significantly alter the results of the testing process and have to be considered during comparison with other durability results. This study also demonstrates how topographically modified aluminum structures tend to restore their hydrophobicity after noticeable mechanical damage due to the natural oxidation process, whereas control samples stay in a hydrophilic state. The findings could be applied to improving the performance of wind or steam turbine blades.