The "lotus effect" gives rise to superhydrophobic surfaces that have potential uses like self-cleaning and anti-fouling but face challenges such as organic solvent issues and poor mechanical stability.
Researchers have developed a new type of superhydrophobic powder coating using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles, which simplifies the process by being solvent- and chemical modification-free.
These coatings offer excellent durability against abrasion, chemical corrosion, and UV rays, and they can be adjusted for hydrophobicity, making them suitable for various outdoor applications.