Non-stick droplet surgery with a superhydrophobic scalpel

Langmuir. 2011 Apr 5;27(7):3266-70. doi: 10.1021/la200258u. Epub 2011 Mar 11.

Abstract

Cutting of nonstick droplets with a double-faced superhydrophobic blade is reported first. The process of manufacturing the superhydrophobic scalpel is presented. Cutting of water marbles and droplets deposited on a superhydrophobic surface is possible when the velocity of the blade is higher than a certain critical value. An estimation of the critical blade velocity coinciding with experimental findings is presented. Cutting of Janus and glycerol-based marbles is discussed. Coalescence of glycerol nonstick drops and marbles under cutting is treated.