Abstract
A recent discovery on banana leaf that has high potential as the lotus effect has intrigued further investigation particularly on the mechanism of its self-cleaning behaviour. In this paper, the adhesive and the contact angle effects of the banana leaf, named Musa Parasidiaca L. (berangan) surface in determining the self-cleaning effect is discussed especially at high temperatures. Samples were slid against a heated metal plate at two different temperatures; 100°C and 200°C, under different loads; 0.5 kg and 1 kg. Correlation between the leaf morphologies, adhesion force and contact angles were discussed. Measurements were carefully carried out by using the various pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP-SEM), an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a drop shape analysis (DSA). The adhesion force and contact angle were decreased at the highest temperature and load. The adhesion force was found to be reduced from 5.6 nN to 1.9 nN and the value of contact angles was decreased from 108.9° to 99.4°. In short, it is hope that the new discovery of this study can shed light on its importance to mankind particularly in surface modifications for applications at higher temperature.
Highlights
Over recent years, there are several interests in nature that include many plants and animals exhibit superhydrophobic property with water contact angle (WCA) more than 150q and sliding angle (SA) lest than 10q, such as lotus leaves, rice leaves, red rose petals, gecko feet and desert beetle [1]
Lotus leaf is a typical natural super-hydrophobic surface with WCA and SA on the surface of lotus leaf is about 161.0 r 2.7q and 2q, respectively because of the hierarchy surface structures [3]
The decrease in the surface roughness may cause by higher load that smoothing the surface. Considering all of this evidence, it seems that at 100qC and 200qC with applied loads 0.5kg and 1.0kg did not affect much in micrograph and contact angle as the form of stomata is still obvious in the macrograph
Summary
There are several interests in nature that include many plants and animals exhibit superhydrophobic property with water contact angle (WCA) more than 150q and sliding angle (SA) lest than 10q, such as lotus leaves, rice leaves, red rose petals, gecko feet and desert beetle [1]. Lotus leaf is a typical natural super-hydrophobic surface with WCA and SA on the surface of lotus leaf is about 161.0 r 2.7q and 2q, respectively because of the hierarchy surface structures [3]. Wax is one of the materials that can construct hydrophobic (water-repellent) surfaces [5]. The existence of wax will increase the surface roughness and contact angle
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call