Research & Teaching Faculty

Smart water channelling through dual wettability by leaves of the bamboo Phyllostachys aurea

TitleSmart water channelling through dual wettability by leaves of the bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsWigzell, JM, Racovita, RC, Stentiford, BG, Wilson, M, Harris, MT, Fletcher, IW, Mosquin, DPK, Justice, D, Beaumont, SK, Jetter, R, Badyal, JPS
JournalColloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Volume506
Pagination344 - 355
ISSN0927-7757
KeywordsBioinspired
Abstract

Abstract The young leaves of the bamboo plant, Phyllostachys aurea, exhibit a distinct dual wetting behaviour on their adaxial surface. Contact angle analysis, variable pressure (environmental) scanning electron microscopy, gas chromatography, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have shown that the epicuticular wax morphology/topography and the surface distribution of chemical species underpin this water-channelling behaviour. Envisaged bioinspired applications include fog and dew harvesting in water-scarce regions of the world.

URLhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0927775716305106
DOI10.1016/j.colsurfa.2016.06.058