Superhydrophobic tubes stay afloat, even when punctured
Researchers at the University of Rochester have etched aluminum tubes to create micro- and nano-pits that render the surface superhydrophobic. When placed in water, the tubes trap a stable air bubble and stay buoyant even if heavily damaged; a middle divider keeps the bubble in place, enabling linked tubes to form rafts for ships, buoys, and floating platforms with potential renewable-energy applications.