Recent studies on super-hydrophobic films

Films whose water contact angle is higher than 150 degrees have been the subject of great interest and enthusiastic study in recent years. These films, which are called super-hydrophobic, are fabricated by combining appropriate surface roughness with surfaces of low surface energy. Here we briefly review the fundamental theories on the wettability of a hydrophobic rough solid surface, together with recent works on the processing and properties of super-hydrophobic films. Though the practical application of these films is still limited, the obstacles to application are gradually being surmounted, providing a great opportunity for the development of various industrial products.