DropletScan | Scanning Droplet Tribometer for Characterizing Surface Wetting Properties

Summary
Superhydrophobic surfaces repel water to great extent, that droplets in contact with such surface have spherical shape, featuring high contact angle (>150°) and low friction. The classic measurement technique for their characterization is contact angle measurement, though that technique faces serious challenges for superhydrophobic characterization, as optical accuracy for high contact angles is poor, and local variations in wetting cannot be easily probed. Here we develop the proof of concept for Scanning Droplet Tribometer as a new measurement method that could overcome these challenges, by measuring friction of droplets. Preliminary data are obtained and very promising. There is interest from industry (see two support letters). In DropletScan ERC PoC project, I will set up a team to develop the protocol and analysis tools, test limitations, build a prototype and validate the results. Furthermore we will analyse the market, identify possible partners, develop a commercial roadmap and strategy, carry out IPR & FTO analysis, write new patent applications and create a IPR strategy.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/862311
Start date: 01-11-2019
End date: 30-04-2021
Total budget - Public funding: - 150 000,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

Superhydrophobic surfaces repel water to great extent, that droplets in contact with such surface have spherical shape, featuring high contact angle (>150°) and low friction. The classic measurement technique for their characterization is contact angle measurement, though that technique faces serious challenges for superhydrophobic characterization, as optical accuracy for high contact angles is poor, and local variations in wetting cannot be easily probed. Here we develop the proof of concept for Scanning Droplet Tribometer as a new measurement method that could overcome these challenges, by measuring friction of droplets. Preliminary data are obtained and very promising. There is interest from industry (see two support letters). In DropletScan ERC PoC project, I will set up a team to develop the protocol and analysis tools, test limitations, build a prototype and validate the results. Furthermore we will analyse the market, identify possible partners, develop a commercial roadmap and strategy, carry out IPR & FTO analysis, write new patent applications and create a IPR strategy.

Status

CLOSED

Call topic

ERC-2019-POC

Update Date

27-04-2024
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Horizon 2020
H2020-EU.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE
H2020-EU.1.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
ERC-2019
ERC-2019-PoC