Wetting Models and Working Mechanisms of Typical Surfaces Existing in Nature and Their Application on Superhydrophobic Surfaces: A Review

Abstract

AbstractSurfaces of plants and animals are evolved to optimal states to accommodate environments better after billions of years of natural selection. As the development of further study on bionics, surfaces with special wetting properties in nature are discovered, extremely related to the micro‐/nanostructures on surface. The wetting models and wetting mechanism of several surfaces in nature are investigated, followed by lifting the veil of superhydrophobic field. Various facile, effective, and convenient methods for fabricating superhydrophobic surfaces are obtained and optimized in scientific research and practice. The possibility of wide application for superhydrophobic surface on production and life is improved via the promotion in fabrication ability. This paper is ranged from four main parts, including wetting models, wetting mechanism on various typical surfaces in nature, frequently used fabricating methods for superhydrophobic surfaces in recent years, and application of superhydrophobic material surfaces in three main aspects. It is really hoped that this review article can provide a useful guide for development of superhydrophobic surface in further study.