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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R02184/01
Title: Systematic Physical and Chemical Design of Surfaces With Controlled Super-Hydrophobicity/Hydrophility
Principal Investigator: McHale, Professor G
Other Investigators:
Newton, Dr MI Perry, Professor C Rowan, Mr SM
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Chemistry and Physics
Organisation: Nottingham Trent University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 May 2001 Ends: 30 September 2004 Value (£): 183,238
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Surfaces & Interfaces
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Chemicals Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The proposed research is to investigate the systematic design of surfaces with super-hydrophobicity and super-hydrophilicity. The basic idea is to exploit the geometric ideas of fractals to create surfaces with high microscopic surface area, and to coat these surfaces with hydrophobic/hydrophilic monolayers. Two approaches will be adopted:a) lithographic fabrication of patterned surfaces with specific aspect ratios,and b) sol-gel techniques to create porous glass materials with high microscopic surface areas.These approaches have the potential for enabling super-wetting properties of surface to be systematically designed with a high level of control and with potential for obtaining other desirable material properties, such as optical transparency and mechanical durability.The research programme will enhance knowledge on the interactions between liquid and solid surfaces and lead to new materials and surface preparation techniques. This knowledge will assist in designing surfaces with pre-specified wetting and film properties. Possible applications include non-stick and film forming surfaces, surfaces with enhanced adhesion characteristics and surfaces capable of amplifying surface tension differences of liquids.
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Organisation Website: http://www.ntu.ac.uk