Wettability
SILSEF specializes in creating micro and nanopatterns to improve the intrinsic wetting properties of surfaces. To assess the impact of these nanostructures, SILSEF has developed its own characterization tools for measuring roll-off angles and frost/fog formation.
The ALPIN™ bench is designed to characterize functional anti-adhesion on micro or nano-patterned surfaces, offering additional insights beyond standard contact angle measurements. This bench can identify transitional phases in the morphological evolution of drops before roll-off and enables dynamic adhesion measurements of various liquids on a wide range of materials. It is suitable for both research and industrial applications, including the detection of biofilm formation. A key feature of the ALPIN™ bench is its ability to evaluate residual liquid during and after drop roll-off.
Anti frost surfaces
Addressing anti-frost and ice challenges is crucial for numerous industrial applications, ranging from windshields to airplane wings. Reducing ice formation is not only an energetic necessity but also an environmental imperative. SILSEF’s advanced patterns have been effectively utilized to delay ice formation on various materials, including polymers, glass, and silicon.
Our innovative nanopatterning technology enhances surface properties, significantly inhibiting ice accumulation and frost formation. By implementing SILSEF’s solutions, industries can achieve improved performance and safety, particularly in harsh environmental conditions. This leads to reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs, making our technology an essential asset for modern industrial applications.
Anti fog/Hydrophilic surfaces
Hydrophilic surfaces can be used to prevent fog formation on surfaces such as mirrors or windshield. SILSEF is able to make super hydrophilic surface were the water droplets immediately spread all over the surface, just by nanostructuring a naturally hydrophilic material.
Hydrophobic surfaces
By combining the right nanopattern to a hydrophobic material, SILSEF can make super water repellent surfaces, where droplets do not adhere and just bounce on the surface. This can also be used to clean a surface simply by rolling water drops.
Water repellent
Etched Si and glass substrates
Water repellent sol-gel coated sapphire substrates :
Naked substrate (left),
Coated substrate (center) coated nano-patterned substrate
Water repellent or injection molding polymer substrate
Self cleaning super-hydrophobic samples, with water repellency properties. The dust and pollution deposited on the surfaces has more affinity towards water than towards the nanopatterned surfaces.