New water-repellant surface destroys drops that hit it

Water-repellant materials are everywhere. Inspired by structures found in nature, these materials excel at staying dry by making water “bounce” off their surface. Now, a new structure detailed in the scientific journal Nature improves water-resistance even more by shortening the time fluid makes contact with its surface.

In recent years, water-repelling materials have gotten better and better at their job of fearing water. But even the best hydrophobic surfaces still take their time when repelling water. This becomes an issue when the surfaces you want to keep water-free operate in freezing conditions. If water is not repelled quickly, it can freeze and end up stuck there.