Large droplets emerging during dropwise condensation impair surface properties such as anti-fogging/frosting ability and heat transfer efficiency. How to spontaneously detach massive randomly distributed droplets with controlled sizes has remained a challenge. Herein, we present a solution called condensation droplet sieve, through fabricating microscale thin-walled lattice structures coated with a superhydrophobic layer. Growing droplets were observed to jump off this surface once becoming slightly larger than the lattices. The maximum radius and residual volume of droplets were strictly confined to 16 μm and 3.2 nl/mm2respectively. We reveal that this droplet radius cut off is attributed to the large tolerance of coalescence mismatch for jumping and effective isolation of droplets between neighboring lattices. Our work brings forth a strategy for the design and fabrication of high-performance anti-dew materials.
27 October 2021 in Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Natural bio‐based materials used in wound dressings have been continuously developed in recent years, and have certain advantages in water retention, biocompatibility, and therapeutic properties. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a kind of plant polysaccharide with good cell compatibility and gel properties. Various gels obtained by modification of KGM through physical and chemical methods have great application potential in wound excipients. In the past few years, various KGM‐based wound barrier materials such as hydrogels, xerogel, microspheres, films, and fibers have been continuously researched and developed. The combination of KGM and other polymers can improve the problem of poor mechanical properties and give it new functional properties, which is beneficial to the moisturizing of the wound surface and the release of drugs to promote wound healing. This article reviews the physicochemical properties of KGM and the latest developments in KGM‐based composite gels, reveals the relationship between molecules in KGM‐based composite gels, and looks forward to the research and development prospects of KGM‐based composites in wound dressings.
15 June 2023 in International Journal of Biological Macromolecules