Influence of Weather Conditions on the Surface Morphology and Wetting Behaviour of Superhydrophobic Quaking Aspen Leaves

J. J. Victor, U. Erb

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada..

DOI: 10.4236/ajps.2013.45A010                

Abstract

The effects of different environmental conditions on the wetting properties and surface morphology of surperhydrophobic quaking aspen leaves harvested during the 2011 growth season are examined. During this particular season quaking aspen leaves were not able to retain their superhydrophobic properties and associated surface structure features as they have usually been able to do in other years. Representative scanning electron microscopy images and wetting property measurements of quaking aspen leaf surfaces harvested throughout this season are presented and discussed with the objective of linking weather induced environmental stresses that occurred in 2011 to the sudden and unusual reduction in non-wetting properties and drastic changes in leaf surface structure. Erosion and regeneration rates of leaf wax crystals and the impact that environmental factors can have on these are considered and used to explain the occurrence of these unexpected changes.

Keywords

Quaking Aspen Leaves; Superhydrophobic; Surface Structure; Wax Crystal Erosion/Regeneration; Weather Conditions

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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