Superhydrophobic tubes stay afloat, even when punctured
TL;DR
Researchers at the University of Rochester have etched aluminum tubes to create micro- and nano-pits that render the surface superhydrophobic. When placed in water, the tubes trap a stable air bubble and stay buoyant even if heavily damaged; a middle divider keeps the bubble in place, enabling linked tubes to form rafts for ships, buoys, and floating platforms with potential renewable-energy applications.
Topics:sciencetechnology#buoyancy#metal-tubes#renewable-energy#superhydrophobic#technology#university-of-rochester
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