That Word You Heard: Superhydrophobic

It's the key to getting every last drop.

By Lacy Schley
Mar 10, 2017 6:00 AMNov 22, 2019 10:22 PM
Superhydrophobic Art - Chad Edwards DSC-CR0417_08.jpg
(Credit: Chad Edwards)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Though it might tempt you to break out into a Mary Poppins song, superhydrophobic has nothing to do with dancing penguins or carousels come to life. The term refers to a material’s ability to repel water. When water droplets hit surfaces with this property, they don’t flatten like they normally would — they bead up, often contacting the surface at angles exceeding 150 degrees, and roll off. You can see this phenomenon in nature when water falls onto a lotus leaf. Outside of nature, researchers are applying superhydrophobic coatings to the interiors of food containers, like bottles of honey and soda cans, to get out every last drop and cut down on food waste.

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.