Nanotextured superhydrophobic micromesh

A superhydrophobic micromesh covered with nanoprotrusions has been introduced and its applicability to a waterproof mobile phone speaker has been evaluated. The nanotextured superhydrophobic micromesh showed excellent water repellency, self-cleaning and waterproofing performances. In a waterproof speaker test using the fabricated nanotextured micromesh, the micromesh did not lose its waterproof function at 2 m water depth and did not form a remnant water film after being removed from the water. The packaged speaker showed almost the same sound quality before and after dipping at a 2 m water depth. These results demonstrate that the superhydrophobic nanotextured micromesh could be directly applicable for various products that need to resist water penetration, yet allow the transmission of gases and sound/light waves. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.