Resumen de A Novel General Chemistry Laboratory: Creation of Biomimetic Superhydrophobic Surfaces through Replica Molding

Samuel Verbanic, Owen Brady, Ahmed Sanda, Carolina Gustafson, Zachary J. Donhauser

• Biomimetic replicas of superhydrophobic lotus and taro leaf surfaces can be made using polydimethylsiloxane. These replicas faithfully reproduce the microstructures of the leaves� surface and can be analyzed using contact angle goniometry, self-cleaning experiments, and optical microscopy. These simple and adaptable experiments were used to develop a novel general chemistry laboratory exercise, designed to introduce students to the current fields of materials science and biomimetics, and reinforce concepts such as intermolecular forces and surface tension.