A new hydrophobic metal created by scientists at University of Rochester, is going to pave the way for a break through in engineering applications.
The new hydrophobic metal which literally makes water bounce right of the surface is made of superhydrophobic black platinum, which is created by “powerful and precise laser-patterning technique that creates an intricate pattern of micro- and nano scale structures to give the metals their new properties”.
What this means is that rather than actually creating a new metal or coating the metal in a chemical, instead they have used lasers to engrave perfect nanostructures into the platinum producing 100% hydrophobic surfaces.
The structures created by their laser on the metals are intrinsically part of the material surface so they will not disappear over time, like current chemical coatings do
What does this mean for us? Well, you most properly wont need to keep replacing those non-stick pans any more after scratching them, you can forget about having to buy a new phone when you drop it down the toilet
