SBIR Phase I: Manufacturing Technology for Microstructured Hydrophobic Surfaces

This Small Business Innovation research Phase I project is to develop flexible, elastic, superhydrophobic surfaces with a technology that physically transforms surfaces by molding microstructures into base polymers, ceramics or metals on a large scale. Uniquely the surfaces may be highly elastic and flexible; and, the process can manufacture surfaces having multiple structures of different sizes and shapes. Development and implementation of the proposed manufacturing process will provide a method of manufacturing multi-scale and multi-functional surfaces from every day, low cost materials suitable for consumer products. The work could impact transportation safety (tires, airplanes), low-cost green energy (solar panels, wind turbine blades), improved health (medical devices), increased safety (tool grips, first responder tools) and enjoyment (sports products).