Self-propulsion of dew drops on lotus leaves: a potential mechanism for self cleaning

Gregory S Watson; Marty Gellender; Jolanta A Watson

doi:10.1080/08927014.2014.880885

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Self-propulsion of dew drops on lotus leaves: a potential mechanism for self cleaning

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Self-propulsion of dew drops on lotus leaves: a potential mechanism for self cleaning

Gregory S Watson, Marty Gellender and Jolanta A Watson

Biofouling, Vol.30(4), pp.427-434

2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08927014.2014.880885

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Abstract

Biological Sciences

Environmental Sciences

Technology

lotus leaf

self-cleaning

dew

self-propelled

water droplet

superhydrophobic

This study shows that condensation on the hierarchically structured lotus leaf can facilitate self-propulsion of water droplets off the surface. Droplets on leaves inclined at high angles can be completely removed from the surface by self-propulsion with the assistance of gravity. Due to the small size of mobile droplets, light breezes may also fully remove the propelled droplets, which are typically projected beyond the boundary layer of the leaf cuticle. Moreover the self-propelled droplets/condensate were able to remove contaminants (eg silica particles) from the leaf surface. The biological significance of this process may be associated with maintaining a healthy cuticle surface when the action of rain to clean the surface via the lotus effect is not possible (due to no precipitation). Indeed, the native lotus plants in this study were located in a region with extended time periods (several months) without rain. Thus, dew formation on the leaf may provide an alternative self-cleaning mechanism during times of drought and optimise the functional efficiency of the leaf surface as well as protecting the surface from long term exposure to pathogens such as bacteria and fungi.

Details

Title: Self-propulsion of dew drops on lotus leaves: a potential mechanism for self cleaning
Authors: Gregory S Watson (Author) - James Cook University
Marty Gellender (Author)
Jolanta A Watson (Author) - James Cook University
Publication details: Biofouling, Vol.30(4), pp.427-434
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Date published: 2014
DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2014.880885
ISSN: 0892-7014
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99447760102621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology; Marine & Freshwater Biology

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