Measuring Surface Hydrophobicity (GSET 2020 Research Presentation)

With the current COVID-19 crisis, the need for a safe way to combat microbial spread is more vital than ever in order to protect the public. This study proposes implementing textured, hydrophobic surfaces in public areas as a lasting solution to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. It was found that by altering the surface texture of a material by etching microscopic grooves, its hydrophobicity can be increased due to numerous air pockets pushing on water droplets in abrasive surfaces. As many common viruses have hydrophilic tails/arms and propagate easily in water, the implementation of hydrophobic materials to frequently touched surfaces is expected to reduce the transmission of microbes to individuals using the same surface. A series of tests utilizing a silicone mold to fabricate the nano- or micro-patterns of the textured surfaces sandpaper and fine powders on glass were conducted in order to analyze the effectiveness of their hydrophobic surfaces. Key factors that increase hydrophobicity can subsequently be applied to the various surfaces people commonly interact with.