Thermodynamic modelling of cross-shaped microstructured surfaces for superhydrophobicity applications

Superhydrophobic surfaces have attracted attention in various fields of research due to a plethora of potential applications, such as anti-icing solutions, the modification of textiles or functional materials in general. We discuss a three-dimensional cross-shaped microstructure based on thermodynamic models, gaining a deeper understanding of the influence of surface geometry on droplet wetting characteristics. By analyzing the relationship between equilibrium contact angle, free energy, and free energy difference, wettability and a change of wetting state are investigated. The transition criteria between the Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter wetting states are analyzed from a thermodynamic viewpoint. In addition, the enhancement of surface roughness of the proposed structure is discussed and compared with conventional pillar-shaped structures. The results provide a theoretical basis for the development of high-performance functional materials and promote their applications in fields such as interface engineering or microfluidics.