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Multi-level micro-/nanostructures of butterfly wings adapt at low temperature to water repellency

  • Huan Mei
  • , Ding Luo
  • , Peng Guo
  • , Cheng Song
  • , Chengcheng Liu
  • , Yongmei Zheng
  • , Lei Jiang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

We show that micro-/nanostructure effects achieve water repellency of Morpho nestira butterfly wings under low temperature and changeable relative humidity. It is found that the multi-level micro-/nanostructures on wing scales effectively retard low-temperature-induced wetting, and achieve water repellency, accompanied with low adhesion under environmental humidity conditions. The mechanism of the extended water repellency is elucidated based on the micro-/nanostructure effect that can be adapted to low temperature and relative humidity. This finding offers an insight into micro-/nanostructures of butterfly wings, which helps to design novel interface materials to be applied in anti-frosting, anti-fogging and anti-icing projects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)10569-10573
Number of pages5
JournalSoft Matter
Volume7
Issue number22
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Nov 2011
Externally publishedYes

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